11 July 2010 Last updated at 07:41 ET

Cyclist hunted over Denton armed robberies

Detectives are hunting an armed cyclist thought to be behind two robberies in Denton, Greater Manchester.

A Post Office and bookmakers have both been targeted by a man, armed with what appeared to be a gun, who escaped on a blue bicycle.

In the latest incident, the robber escaped with a significant amount of cash after threatening staff with a 1ft long (30cm) metal weapon.

Detectives are linking the incidents and are appealing for information.

The man is described as white, about 5ft 7ins (1.7m) tall, of stocky build and aged between 30 and 40.

Broad daylight

He was wearing a beige-coloured Parka coat with a fur hood, beige trousers and had his face covered with red netting.

In the latest robbery on Friday, a cashier at Denton Post Office, on Manchester Road, was threatened with violence and forced to hand over cash.

Five days earlier, staff at Betfred bookmakers were robbed by a man fitting a similar description who then cycled off on a blue mountain bike.

Det Con Martin Gregory, of Tameside CID, said: "The robbery at the post office took place in broad daylight, and I want to focus our appeal on any witnesses who saw this man either pull up or leave the post office on the bicycle.

"We really want to catch this man and give the cashier whom he threatened the peace of mind of knowing he is locked up behind bars."