Kidderminster armed robberies 'linked'
Five robberies in Worcestershire in which staff were threatened by armed raiders are thought to be linked, police have said.
The attacks took place at shops and takeaways in Kidderminster between 5 April and 4 June.
In each case staff were threatened with weapons including machetes, meat cleavers, knives and sticks.
New CCTV footage of the attacks has been released as part of the BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow.
West Mercia Police said some of the attacks involved two young men, while others involved three. In each case their faces were covered with scarves or balaclavas.
'Gained very little'
Det Insp Dean Jones said the robberies were being linked because of their proximity, the type of premises targeted and similarities in the way they were carried out, as well as descriptions of the robbers.
He said all the offences were carried out in the Comberton Hill area and urged local people to contact them if they recognised the robbers.
"We need people to give us names and we are certain someone has an idea who is involved," he said.
Det Insp Jones added that the attackers had shown "no consideration for their victims", and yet had "gained very little from their crimes".
On 2 June, staff at the Milan Pizza successfully fought off the robbers by throwing food and trays at them.
In other raids the robbers made off with cash, cigarettes and alcohol.