Gunman held up shops just half an hour apart

An investigation has been launched after an armed robbery in Stonehouse.

The culprit targeted the Spar store at The Cross around 9.55pm on Friday.

He threatened terrified staff with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money.

Police say no gun was fired and no members of staff where injured but they are “extremely distressed” by their ordeal.

The suspect made off with a fourfigure sum of cash, fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf.

The incident came after a similar robbery at the William Hill bookmakers in St Leonard’s Square, East Kilbride, around 9.30pm.

The same man is said to have threatened staff with what appeared to be a firearm. No one was injured but the man made off with a quantity of cash.

Officers believe the incidents are linked.

The suspect is in his mid-20s and around 5ft 8in. He was wearing a black top, black jogging trousers and black trainers. He also tried to disguise his identity by wearing a black scarf over his face.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and checking CCTV footage.

DC Martin Mckissock said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in and around these areas on Friday night to think back and consider if they saw anything suspicious.

“Perhaps you saw the man dressed all in black and carrying a scarf and wondered why he was dressed in such a way, given the warm weather we are currently experiencing. Did you see the white Volkswagen Golf car drive off?

“If you have any information, no matter how irrelevant it seems, please do pass it on as any small piece of information could prove significant in our enquiries.

“I would also like to appeal to motorists who were in and around those areas on Friday night for any dash cam footage.

“It’s possible they captured information which could assist us in our investigation so please contact police.”

Anyone with information can call CID officers at Cambuslang on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.