POLICE are linking two betting shop robberies where a man in a red mask smashed his way in to steal cash.

The masked man, who was armed with a hammer, broke into Coral in The Willows, Colchester, yesterday at around 7.45pm.

He smashed the window of the shop and demanded cash.

He then left in the direction of The Thomas Lord Audley School with an amount of money.

He wore a black jacket and a grey hooded jumper with the hood up.

A masked man then entered Ladbrokes in Prettygate at around 9.15pm, went behind the counter and grabbed a three-figure sum of cash.

He is described as being white and around 5ft 9ins tall.

He wore a red mask, grey jogging bottoms, a grey hooded top and dark trainers.

Officers remain at both scenes making enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Duncan Collyer at Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.