An armed robber wielding a large knife is believed to have targeted three traders in Dartford during a two-day crime spree.

Staff at Pop Shop, in Temple Hill Square, Bradley's hair salon, in East Hill, and Bon Bon newsagent, in Dartford Road, were all threatened in the spate of incidents last week. And police believe all three robberies are linked because of matching descriptions given by staff.

The man struck first at Pop Shop between 5pm and 5.10pm on Wednesday, February 11, producing a knife and demanding cash from the till. But he left with nothing and fled towards Hill Top Gardens after a female employee called for help on the shop radio.

Bradley’s salon was then targeted between 5.10pm and 5.25pm on the same day, when the 45-year-old owner was threatened with a large knife and told to open the cash drawer, handing over £80 before he fled.

At about 6.40pm the next day, Thursday, February 12, the robber threatened a woman in Bon Bon newsagent and took about £300 from the till, before heading into Lawrence Hill Road where he got into a light-coloured VW Golf or Polo.

The man is described as being aged 25 to 32, white, slim, and about 5ft 9in, with dark hair. He was wearing a grey or green Parka-style coat over a dark grey t-shirt and blue jeans. He was also wearing a black beanie-style hat with a light logo or motif and may have a dark blond goaty-style beard.

Investigating officer PC Paul Oliver, of North Kent Area Crime Unit, said: "I am keen to hear from anybody who may have witnessed these attacks or who may have seen the male in the Temple Hill area around the time of these offences. Fortunately on these occasions no one was injured."

Anyone with information should contact PC Oliver on 01474 366098 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.