STAFF at two Somerset convenience stores have been threatened with weapons during armed robberies.

Police are appealing for information following two robberies in Frome this week.

The first one happened at shortly after 6pm on Wednesday evening in Culverhill.

"A man entered the convenience store and took a quantity of cash after threatening staff with what was described as a knife," said an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson.

"Yesterday morning there was another incident in Rodden Road in the town at about 9.30am when a man entered a convenience store and demanded cash before leaving empty-handed. He had with him, what is believed to be an imitation firearm.

"There were concerns that armed officers responded to the robbery yesterday morning.

"They are part of the response team that will attend any on-going incidents in the first instance and help to provide reassurance to the local community especially if there is a report that the offender had a weapon of some sort.

"We are continuing to provide high profile patrols in the area to provide community reassurance but also receive information from members of the public.

"The community contact vehicle, which was in Evercreech yesterday will be in Frome today and over the weekend to provide further reassurance, advice and guidance to the local community, as well as receiving information."

The spokesperson said initial investigations suggest the two robbery incidents are not linked.

Anyone with information should contact police, quoting reference 5219027453 (Rodden Road incident) and 5219027047 (Culverhill incident), on 101.