Masked gunman in double raid

But he was sent packing by a quick-thinking assistant who foiled him into thinking a police car was outside.

The gunmen escaped with just £30 after the two raids, fleeing empty handed after his first bungled robbery. Today police appealed for information to help track down the raider who struck about two miles apart between 5.15pm and 6.50pm on Friday.

Officers say he was carrying a gun but they did not know whether it was real or an imitation.

He first struck at the Larkhill General Stores, in Larkhill Road, Wollaston, Stourbridge, where he brandished the gun at staff and demanded cash.

But he left minutes later empty handed after the assistant fooled him into thinking a taxi visible on the store's CCTV was a police car waiting outside.

Just over an hour later police where called out again this time at the Murco petrol station in Bells Lane, Wordsley, also in Stourbridge.

Officers say the raider walked into the shop, threatened the cashier with a gun and demanded cash.

He escaped with £30.

Det Sgt David Fletcher, of Halesowen CID, said: "The close proximity and similarities of the offender in these two robberies mean we obviously need to investigate links between the two.

"The firearm was not used, and it is not yet clear if it was real or imitation, however we are concerned about these robberies and urge witnesses to come forward.

"These are busy roads that would have had passing traffic on a Friday evening. We urge people who saw anything to get in touch."

The gunman is believed to be a young white man, aged in his late teens to early 20s.

He wore dark clothing and had his face covered, possibly with a hood. It is believed a red car was used in the first robbery, on Larkhill Road.

Anyone with information to assist with the inquiry is urged to contact CID at Halesowen police station on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.