POLICE WERE today hunting a knife-wielding robber believed to have struck twice in Telford.

In the first attack he waved a knife at a terrified teenager before stealing his wallet and mobile phone. In the second incident, although no knife was seen, the thug threatened to stab a 16-year-old youth. Detectives believe the two incidents, which happened within 24 hours of each other in Oakengates, could be linked.

The offender is described as white, about 6ft tall with dark brown stubble on his face.

He was wearing a dark blue baseball cap, a grey and white tracksuit top and blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms.

Chris Ammonds, police spokesman, said: “Although we are keeping an open mind, because of similarities between the two offences – including the location and significant parts of the descriptions we have been given – we are looking at the possibility that the same man may be responsible for both robberies.”

Police are now scouring CCTV footage.

The latest robbery happened as the 16-year-old victim was walking across the Cockshutt car park towards the Silkin Way today just after 1.15am when he was gra-bbed from behind and dragged to the floor.

Mr Ammonds said: “As the offender held the victim on the floor he threatened to stab him and demanded that he hand over his mobile phone and his debit card.

“Fearing for his own safety the victim did exactly as he was told. Once he had been handed the items by the victim the offender got to his feet and made off across the car park back towards Oakengates Theatre.”

The first robbery happened yesterday at about 1.45pm at the entrance of the bus station in Oakengates. The victim, 19, was approached by a man asking for some cigarette papers and a lighter. The robber rolled a cigarette before holding up what appear-ed to be a retractable blade and demanding the victim’s wallet and mobile phone.

By Lisa Rowley