Police launch man hunt after Two Armed Robberies in Southampton

Police are investigating two robberies that happened in the Bitterne area in the last three days. On Sunday, May 15 at 9.30pm a man reportedly entered Ladbrokes bookmakers on Butts Road demanding money from the cashier. The man made off with £175. No one was injured. On Monday, May 16 at 10.20am a man approached a 44-year-old man working as a cash-in-transit driver at Bitterne Road precinct near Dominos. The driver was walking on foot, making a collection at the time, carrying a cashbox when a man approached him and hit him with a bat or similar implement. The man then made off with the cash box containing £12,000. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Police in Southampton are linking the incidents. On both occasions a similar description of the man has been provided. The man is described as: White Aged late 20s to early 30s 5 ft 9 inches – 5ft 10 inches tall Medium build Wearing a blue hooded top on both occasions The man was described above, as well as, wearing knee length, turquoise chequered shorts at the incident on Monday, May 16 near Dominos. On both occasions the man was reported to have been carrying a bat or similar implement. The cash box is described as black with orange stickers. Detective Inspector Toby Elcock said: “We are appealing for witnesses to both incidents to make contact with us. “We are linking the two crimes due to the similar description given on both occasions. “We are keen to hear from anyone who was near Ladbrokes or Butts road on Sunday night who saw a man matching this description. Please call 101 and quote 44160182703. “Similarly, we would also urge anyone who was in the Bitterne Road precinct area on Monday morning who saw a man with this appearance to make contact with us and assist us with these investigations. Call 101 and quote 44160183308.”