Police are appealing for information on an armed robbery at a shop in Cardiff.
It is the third incident of this kind in the capital this month and although detectives are keeping an open mind, there is a strong possibility that they are linked.
The most recent incident happened around 10.35pm at Costcutter, Whitchurch Road, on Thursday, July 21.
The suspects are described as four black or mixed race men wearing dark clothing.
A male shop worker required around 20 stitches for head injuries inflicted during the incident where a quantity of cash and packets of 10 Lambert and Butler cigarettes were stolen.
They were armed with what appeared to be a black handgun.
Just before leaving the shop one of the robbers removed his mask and said to the worker “Now you can call the police”.
Earlier incidents were at Spar, Clearwater Way, Lakeside, on Wednesday, July 6 at 10.20pm and at Spar, Allensbank Road, on Thursday, July 14 at 9.40pm.
Detective Inspector Shane Ahmed, from Cardiff Bay CID, who is leading the investigation into all three incidents, said: “Due to the similarities of locations, times, descriptions and the nature of the offences there is a strong possibility these incidents are linked but we are keeping an open mind.
“A full investigation is on-going and numerous lines of enquiry are being pursued including CCTV, house to house, intelligence and forensic work.
“We believe the men responsible for these robberies have local connections and urge the public to come forward with information as to their identities.
“Cardiff is a safe city and we will not tolerate violence being used against our shop workers who provide a valued service to their communities.
Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a silver Ford Focus or Fiesta parked in Canada Road on the night of Thursday, July 21, believed to be a getaway car used by the suspects.
They are also appealing for a potential key witness to come forward. Around the time of the incident, a white man wearing a green T-shirt and knee length shorts was seen on CCTV entering the Panama Tandorri Restaurant on Whitchurch.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cardiff Bay CID on 02920 527 420 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
