CCTV images have been released by police after a Darwen shopkeeper was robbed at knifepoint twice in the space of four days.

A masked man slammed Nazier Ahmed into his counter at Sandon Street Grocers and Newsagents in Darwen.

CCTV shows the 62-year-old being dragged from the back of the shop by his neck before being forced to open the till, before the robber runs off with £200.

The latest robbery comes after Mr Ahmed was targeted on Saturday and told to hand over hundreds of pounds by a man also armed with a knife.

Police believe the thief was the same man on both occasions.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the offences.

Det Insp Tim McDermott, of Blackburn CID, said: “The images are of reasonable quality and the hooded top is fairly distinctive.

“I believe someone will recognise this man and it is extremely likely the suspect lives in the area.

“This is a small local shop and on both occasions the level of aggression shown by the offender, armed with a knife towards a lone man offering no resistance, has been nothing short of cowardly.

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“I would appeal to the public to help us identify this man quickly. If you have any information which can assist us, please contact police immediately.

“A patrol plan is in place for the area involving uniformed officers and detectives to deter further offences and provide reassurance to the local community.”

Anyone with information about either robbery can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference ED1618139.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.