Hawick general stores robbed by knife-wielding woman

Police have appealed for information after two general stores were robbed on the same day

Police have appealed for information after two Borders general stores were robbed by a knife-wielding woman.

The first incident happened at the Little Shop in Weensland Road, Hawick, at about 0510 GMT on Tuesday.

A similar raid then took place at the Londis store in the town's Sandbed at about 2140 GMT.

Lothian and Borders Police said they believed the two crimes were linked. In both cases the woman made off with cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

In the first incident the woman was described as in her mid 20s, about 5ft 5in tall and with dark hair which was tied back.

She was wearing a dark coat with a fur-trim hood, black hat with chin ties and a white scarf covering her face.

She threatened to stab a member of staff before making off with goods and money.

Police said the woman headed off towards Trinity Steps in the company of a man who was described as in his 20s, 5ft 7in tall and wearing dark clothing.

A similar description was issued in connection with the second robbery.

The woman was said to be in her early 30s with visible tattoos on her chest and was wearing a green coat with a fur hood.