Armed robbers wearing balaclavas and brandishing handguns robbed two convenience stores near Redruth yesterday within the space of 20 minutes.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to help them track down the two men who robbed a post office store in Four Lanes at 2.10pm, before doing the same at a Spar shop in New Road, Stithians around 20 minutes later.

On both occasions they demanded money A police spokesperson said: "On both occasions, two men wearing balaclavas and armed with handguns entered the post office and demanded money before fleeing in a blue hatchback car, possibly a Honda or Hyundai.

"No one was hurt during these two robberies and cash was stolen."

Armed response units were sent to the area, backed up by the police helicopter, but despite "extensive" searches the two men could not be found.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101@dc.police.uk or on 101, quoting crime reference CR/102996/17.

You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.