Police keeping an open mind about connection between Dorset armed robberies

Police are 'keeping an open mind' into a link between two armed robberies in Dorset this weekend.

Dorset Police ruled out that they were linking the events 'at this time' but remained open minded that they could be connected.

A robbery took place on Saturday evening at The Co-operatve store in Cranleigh Road Southbourne, Bournemouth - before another robbery occurred at Saulfland Stores, Christchurch on Sunday.

This follows other armed robberies in Dorset and The New Forest in recent weeks, including a woman threatened by a gunman in a Verwood car park.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "Officers are not linking either of the incidents to any other incident at this time but are keeping an open mind."

During the weekend's robberies, a man wearing a baseball cap and dark clothing threatened staff with a handgun - with a scarf pulled up over his face.

Witnesses or anyone with information about either incident is urged to call Dorset Police on 101.