DETECTIVES believe an armed robber could be behind two knife attacks in Southampton.

Witnesses are being sought for the two attacks that police believe maybe linked.

The first happened at a bus stop on Southampton High Street near to the Holyrood Church ruins at around 10.25pm on Thursday, June 20.

A 21-year-old man from the city was threatened by a youth with a knife and his mobile phone was stolen. The victim tried to stop the robber but received a small cut to his hand as he struggled with him.

The second incident happened on Friday at around 10pm in Kenilworth Road near the junction with Devonshire Road. A 24-year-old woman was threatened with a sharp weapon of some sort before having her iPhone 5 stolen.

The youth in the first incident was described as being of tanned or Asian appearance and aged between 14 and 18. He was wearing a grey hooded top.

The man in the second incident is described as having brown skin. He was aged in his mid 30s and around 5ft 8 inches tall and clean shaven. He was wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Police are keeping an open mind on whether the two incidents are linked. Anyone with information about either robbery is asked to call Detective Constable Gavin Jordan at Shirley CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.