Raiders strike at two hair salons within minutes

In one robbery a customer was assaulted and staff threatened as thieves struck. Police said today they are linking the two raids.

Robbers first targeted Suzanne's Hair Fashions on Basons Lane just before 4.30pm on Tuesday. Two black men in their 20s walked in and demanded cash was handed over but fled empty handed when challenged by staff. Owner Sue Davies, said today she was left shaken by the ordeal.

The 61-year-old grandmother, said: "I was shocked. You think you're safe in here but it's very unnerving to think there are people like that about. We are going to be locking the front door from now on."

At around 4.50pm it is believed the same pair struck again at Divas Hair and Beauty on Newbury Lane just over two miles away from the first incident.

This time they escaped with cash and hit a 54-year-old customer before stealing her purse. The customer was left bruised and shaken by the ordeal.

Sandra Price, aged 49, from Tipton, was in the shop with co-owner Zoe Beale and a customer when the raiders struck.

"It was like a film," she said. "Of course I was terrified. For a big bloke to come in and demand money, it was horrible. I have not been able to sleep since. It was dreadful, awful."

Detectives are now investigating and appealing for information.

Det Con Ryan Matthews said: "Both robberies happened at a very busy time of the day and we are hoping that someone saw the men and can help us identify them."

One of the men is believed to be over 6ft tall and of a large build. He was wearing a black jacket and bottoms. The other man was slim, around 5ft 8ins and again was dressed in black.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.