A MASKED knife-wielding thug who robbed a three-figure sum of cash from a shop and tried to raid another is being hunted by police.

On Sunday, the man entered Spar on Motherwell's Hamilton Road around 1.50pm.

He threatened the male member of staff with a knife and demanded money but, made off empty-handed in the direction of North Motherwell.

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Hours later at 5.25pm, he entered the Jet petrol station on Hamilton Road and again threatened a male worker with a "bladed weapon".

This time he nabbed a three-figure sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco.

Neither man was injured, but they're both shaken up.

Detective Constable Alison Thomson of Wishaw Police Office said: “These were terrifying attacks on two men who were simply going about their duties in their places of work.

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"This is a busy area and I would urge anyone who either saw this man, or who recognises his description to come forward to contact us.

"We would also ask that people check any dash-cam footage that they may have if they were driving on Hamilton Road at the time.

“Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the local area, and gathering CCTV footage to find out more information on the man responsible for these two incidents at those times.”

The thug is described as white and of stocky build wearing a black balaclava or hat.

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He was also wearing a dark-coloured hooded top, a light blue striped polo shirt and grey jogging trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.