Warning after gunpoint raids

Police have warned the public to look out for a "dangerous" man after a car is stolen and two shops are robbed at gunpoint.

Small shopkeepers in particular have been told to be on their guard by Surrey Police.

Officers have appealed for help to trace a black Audi A3, registration number V408 DLE.

"We believe the person who has the car is in possession of a hand gun and should not be approached by members of the public," a spokeswoman for Surrey Police said.

"Anyone seeing the vehicle is asked to contact the police immediately."

'Considered to be dangerous'

The car was stolen at gunpoint from a woman who was at a bus lay-by at the Tesco store in Egham, Surrey, just after 1600 BST on Saturday.

The second robbery happened at an off-licence shortly afterwards, at 1625 BST.

A newsagents' shop in West End, Surrey, was the scene of the third robbery at 0535 on Sunday.

The spokeswoman said: "In both of the robberies the offender, who was on his own, produced a handgun and demanded that staff hand over money.

"This man is considered to be dangerous.

'Remain vigilant'

"We would ask people working in small news agents', off-licences or other small shops to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious incidents to their local police immediately.

"Where was the vehicle between 0425 BST on Saturday and 0535 on Sunday - and where is it now?"

The man was white, in his late 20s to early 30s, stocky and about 5 ft 10 in tall.

He had a stubbly face and wore a grey woollen hat, a dark coloured bomber or blouson jacket and sunglasses.

Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents, or who has any information, is urged to contact Surrey Police.