HAMPSHIRE police are appealing for witnesses after two Southampton convenience stores were robbed using a knife.

The first robbery occurred at the One Stop Shop in Peartree Avenue at 6.27pm and the second incident was almost immediately after at the Bishops News Market, Bishops Road.

Police believe the two offenders may have been using a dark coloured vehicle, possibly black or green, and was similar to a VW Polo Mark 5.

Now a man from Waterlooville has been arrested and charged in relation to both robberies and with possessing a knife.

The man in his 20s has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Portsmouth Crown Court in June in relation to the crime that happened on May 18.

Hampshire Police are asking residents who saw anything suspicious in these locations before or after these crimes took place, as well as a car travelling at speed, to contact them.

Residents are advised to call 101, quoting reference 44190171655. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.