The case of a gunman threatening to detonate a bomb in a hotel and an attempted bank robbery may be linked, according to police.

The suspects in both cases are described as in their 60s and officers have now released CCTV footage of the crimes.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “Officers investigating the two incidents are looking into the possibility they are linked. They have released CCTV footage of the two men they would like to speak to.”

The first incident happened at the Hythe Imperial Hotel in Princes Parade, Hythe, just before 10.30am last September 28.

A man came in, asked to see the manager and produced a handgun, demanding a large amount of money and saying there was a bomb in the hotel.

He left the premises and the hotel was evacuated.

Armed police and bomb experts were called but no device was found.

The suspect was described as in his 60s, white, of medium build, with grey receding hair, tanned complexion and blue eyes.

He was wearing a beige raincoat, dark coloured trousers, a smart shirt, smart black shoes and was carrying a dark coloured bag with a handle and strap.

The next incident was exactly six months later, at about 2pm on Thursday, March 28.

A man entered the Lloyds TSB in New Romney High Street and tried to rob it.

He demanded cash and threatened staff before leaving the bank empty-handed.

The suspect there is described as in his 60s, of stocky build and was wearing a dark coloured heavy jacket, blue jeans and a distinctive aviator-style dark coloured hat.

Anyone who knows the man or has information about his whereabouts is asked to ring Kent Police on 101, quoting ZY/28750/12 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.