Detectives in Dorset have released a CCTV image of a suspect in a botched armed robbery at a petrol station in Poole, and are linking the incident to three other armed robberies in the town. They are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

The first offence happened at around 10.35pm on Sunday 12 July 2015 when a man came into Jas News & Booze on Poole Road with a hood over his face and sunglasses on. He picked up milk, went to the counter, pulled out a knife and demanded money before leaving the store with a quantity of cash.

A second offence occurred at 9.05pm on Monday 13 July 2015 at the Shell Service Station on Bournemouth Road. A man entered the garage, brandished a knife and demanded money but none was handed over and he left on foot.

A third incident happened at Tatnam off-licence on Tatnam Cresent at around 9.40pm on Monday 13 July 2015. A man came into the store, brandished a knife and demanded the till was emptied. An alarm was set off and the offender ran off without any money.

The fourth offence occurred at around 11.20pm on the same evening in the car park at The Adam Practice, Longfleet Road. A taxi driver had just dropped off a client, before he was approached by a man and threatened with a knife. The suspect made off with a quantity of cash.

Nobody was physically injured during any of the robberies.

Detective inspector Steve Symms, of Poole and Bournemouth CID said: “I am now able to release a CCTV image of the suspect and after initial investigations we believe all four incidents to be linked to the same man.

“These were frightening incidents for the victims involved and I am appealing to the public to help identify the person pictured.”

The offender is described as white, of slim build, around five feet seven inches tall and around 25 years of age. He was wearing a light grey hooded jacket and dark sunglasses.

DI Symms added: “Anyone who may have witnessed a man matching this description in the areas at the time of any of the incidents or has further information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 13:474." Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.