by Lynn Cox

Armed police are on alert after two terrifying robberies in a matter of hours.

They have taken the unusual step of naming and releasing a picture of the suspect wanted after raids at a bookmakers' and supermarket in Chatham.

And they have warned the public not to approach the suspect.

Police want to speak to Joseph Tullett, 28, of King George Road in Chatham, after the robberies at the Co-operative food shop in Pattens Lane on Tuesday and William Hill Bookmakers on Ordnance Street yesterday.

Police released the CCTV images of the suspect after a crash helmet-clad robber targeted a bookmakers' and supermarket.

The raider is thought to have used a small hand gun to threaten staff at the Co-op store in Pattens Lane on Tuesday night.

Officers were called at 9.55pm when staff reported a man wearing a motorcycle helmet approaching the counter to apparently pay for an item.

But when the shop assistant opened the till, he threatened her with the gun before fleeing the store with an undisclosed amount cash.

Then just a few hours later at 9.15am yesterday, a raider struck at William Hill in Ordnance Street, also in the town.

CCTV image released after a robbery at William Hill in Chatham

The robber, again wearing a crash helmet, pretended to fill out a betting slip and approached the till.

Police said he was asked to take his helmet off and he lifted it up slightly, before threatening staff with the gun and fleeing with cash.

DS Darryll Paulson, from Kent Police, said: "These two incidents in Chatham left staff extremely fearful and traumatised.

“We believe the two robberies are connected and would urge anyone that has any information about the person in the images, especially if you know where he is, to come forward and help us with our enquiries."

The suspect is white, about 30 and is thought to be about 6ft of slim build and with brown hair. He was wearing a silver motorcycle crash helmet.

Police are hunting this man after a robbery at the Co-operative in Chatham

Detective Chief Inspector John Coull said: "We have had reports of two robberies where threats have been made with a firearm.

"I’d like to reassure members of the public that we are taking this very seriously and have officers with firearm capability in Medway should we need to react quickly.

"I would urge anybody that comes across Joseph Tullett not to approach him but to report it to police by calling 999.

"I am also appealing to anyone that knows him to help us locate Joseph as quickly and as safely as possible.’

Anyone with information is asked to phone DS Paulson on 101, quoting CAD 01-0253, or Crimestoppers - anonymously - on 0800 555111.