Men sought over three armed raids in Inverclyde
Police are hunting two men who they believe carried out three armed robberies in the space of a few hours in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.
The men stole a three-figure sum of cash from Ashton Stores, Albert Road, Gourock at about 06:45 on Wednesday.
At 08:30, the men stole a quantity of cigarettes after threatening staff at Spar, Ardgowan Road, Wemyss Bay.
They then stole a sum of cash from Howwood General Stores, Station Road, Howwood, at about 09:35.
During each of the robberies, the suspects threatened shop staff with a knife.
Afterwards they made off from the scene in a small silver hatchback car.
The first suspect is described as white, in his early 20s, about 6ft tall and of medium build.
The second suspect was white, possibly aged in his late teens or early twenties, about 5ft 5in tall and of slim build.
Both men were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered.
Det Sgt Gordon Smith, from Strathclyde Police, said: "These were brazen robberies which were terrifying ordeals for the members of staff involved.
"We need the public's help to catch these men as soon as possible and I would urge anyone who was in any of these areas and saw a small silver hatchback or persons acting suspiciously to contact the police.
"Although enquiries are at an early stage I believe the incidents may be connected."