A masked robber armed with a wrench has been targeting city stores in a spate of robberies. 

A hunt has been launched for a man wanted in connection with a robbery and attempted

robbery. 

A man broke off a plastic screen door trying to get to the till area at the Tesco Express in Thornhill Park Road.

He threatened the manager with a large wrench when he was confronted before fleeing on a black moped at around 6.30am on Wednesday.

Just minutes later, a man of the same description stole a cash register from the Co-op in South East Road.

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The man is described as white, aged 30 to 40, 6ft 2ins tall, and of slim build.

He was dressed all in black – hoody, trousers, jacket and trainers – and wearing a grey balaclava and carrying a black and blue backpack.

Police believe the incidents are linked and are pleading for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Do you know the man?

"Did you witness the incidents?

"Did you see or have dash cam footage of a man on a black moped in the area at the time?"

Inspector Stuart Baker from Southampton East Neighbourhoods Policing Team said: “I would encourage members of the public to be aware of any suspicious behaviour while out in the area, particularly in convenience stores in the early mornings.

“We currently have a mobile police station in Warburton Road, Thornhill, and increased patrols in the area, so our officers will be engaging with the community and any local residents with concerns about these incidents are more than welcome to approach us with them.”

Anyone with information or any footage, whether ring doorbell, dash cam, CCTV or mobile, should call police on 101 or report online quoting 44230083226.