Police are investigating whether two armed robberies in Aberdeen last night could be linked.
In the first incident, two armed men entered Gaitside Stores in Gaitside Drive and threatened staff.
Both suspects are believed to be white males with local accents.
The first is described as tall and slim, wearing a dark green jacket with the hood up, dark coloured trousers with a light coloured stripe down the side and black trainers.
The second is described as short and slim, wearing a dark jacket with the hood up.
Detective Sergeant Martyn Thomson said: “Two males entered the shop about 7.15pm yesterday evening.
“The suspects threatened staff with weapons before running from the shop, with one male seen running away on Gaitside Drive and the other male seen running towards Garthdee Road, Aberdeen.
“On this occasion the suspects left empty handed but it did leave the staff, who were uninjured, shaken and upset.”
In the second incident, at around 7.50pm, four males entered Stocket Parade Store and threatened staff, making off with cash and a quantity of goods.
Detective Inspector Lee Jardine said: “Four male suspects entered the shop a short time before 8.00pm. All were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered.
“The suspects threatened staff with weapons before running from the shop. We believe at this time that the suspects entered a nearby vehicle before making off.
“About 8.20 pm a grey Hyundai i30 registration MW60 FPE was discovered ablaze on Barvas Walk, Aberdeen and we are currently investigating if these incidents are linked. This vehicle was previously stolen from an address on November 21, 2016.
“Staff at Stocket Parade Store were uninjured during the incident but were left badly shaken.”
He added: “An extensive investigation into this incident is underway including house to house enquiries and examination of CCTV.
“I’m appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of Stocket Parade or Barves Walk around the relevant times and who may have seen anyone matching the description of the suspects, or the vehicle in question, to get in touch.”
Detective Sergeant Thomson said police are investigating whether the two raids could be linked and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether this is linked to the robbery yesterday evening at Stocket Parade in Aberdeen.
“As part of our investigation into this incident officers are carrying out house to house enquiries and looking at CCTV.
“If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area of Gaitside Drive yesterday evening I would also ask them to get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.