A HOODED thug attacked a terrified delivery driver with a baseball bat before stealing £12,000 in cash.

The man struck in a Southampton shopping precinct in the second of two attacks in the neighbourhood within 24 hours.

Now police are warning the terrifying robbery and an earlier raid at a bookies are linked.

Officers urge anyone who witnessed the robberies or recognises the man to contact them immediately.

The man approached the 44-year-old driver in Bitterne Road precinct close to Dominos Pizza at 10.20am on Monday while his victim was carrying the cash box on foot.

The hooded man hit him with an implement police believe is a bat before stealing the box containing £12,000.

The victim was unhurt.

At 9.30pm the previous evening a man stormed into Ladbrokes in nearby Butts Road demanding money from the cashier.

He made off with £175 and the cashier was also uninjured.

On both occasions both victims described the man as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build.

He wore a blue hooded top and carried a bat or similar implement in both raids.

He was described as wearing knee length, turquoise chequered shorts in the second attack.

The cash box is described as black with orange stickers.

Detective Inspector Toby Elcock said: “We are appealing for witnesses to both incidents to make contact with us.

“We are linking the two crimes due to the similar description given on both occasions. “We are keen to hear from anyone who was near Ladbrokes or Butts road on Sunday night who saw a man matching this description. Please call 101 and quote 44160182703.

“Similarly, we would also urge anyone who was in the Bitterne Road precinct area on Monday morning who saw a man with this appearance to make contact with us and assist us with these investigations. Call 101 and quote 44160183308.”