Caught on camera: Suspects hunted by police after shopkeepers hit with bottles in violent robberies
Officers hunting robbers who struck at shops in Darlaston have released images of two men they want to speak to in connection with the crimes.
West Midlands Police have revealed for the first time today that they believe both raids are linked.
In both cases raiders entered the stores and hit the shopkeepers over the head with a bottle, before stealing cash from the tills.
The first robbery was carried out the Convenience Store, in Glyn Avenue, in Moxley, on, May 26.
The second attack was at Lifestlye News & Booze, in Darlaston Road near Darlaston town centre, on June 2 where shopkeeper Rajiv Sharma fought off two robbers as they hurled bottles at him and punched him in the face.
The attackers made off with £500 after smashing open the till at the premises also known as WS10 Wines & Beers near the town centre.
Mr Sharma suffered bruises and cuts to his face and was treated in hospital following the robbery.
His family have run the shop for eight years and received messages of support from their customers since the robbery.
Both offences took place at around 10.30am.
The first man that police want to speak to in connection with their investigation is described as black, of a stocky build with a bald head. The second is described as Asian or light-skinned black man, and is around 6ft tall and of a slim build.
Dc Gerry Maley, of Bloxwich Police Station, urged anyone who may have information that would help them with their investigation to come forward.
He said: "Whoever carried out these robberies needs to be found so we can put them before the courts and prevent further violent robberies being committed.
"We are keen to identify the two men in these images as we believe they may have information which could help us with our inquiries."
Anyone with information about the men should phone 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
