Police have released CCTV footage of a man they are keen to trace following two robberies in Aberdeen city centre.
Officers are hunting for a thief after he brandished a knife in two premises on King Street and Union Street just days apart.
The robber struck first at Premier Stores on Union Street at around 3:45pm on Saturday and then again at the A&C Smart shop on King Street at 5:30pm last Tuesday.
The incident at the Union Street premises left shop worker Mushtaq Nazir shaken after the man pointed the 10in long blade at him telling him not to move or he “would kill him”.
The man is thought to be aged between 25 and 35 and has facial hair. He can be seen wearing a black jacket and dark hat in one image, but an orange hooded jacket in the other.
The CCTV images have been released as police investigations continue into the crimes.
The owner of the shop, who did not wish to be named, confirmed that the incident was not the first time his store at 37 Union Street had been targeted by robbers.
Vinoj Nair was working at the A&C Smart shop on King Street in the city last Tuesday evening when a hooded man threatened him with a blade.
The 29-year-old, of Old Aberdeen, who was on his second day in the job, said his mind “went blank” when the robber pulled out the weapon.
On both occasions a male entered the premises and presented a knife before making off with a sum of cash.
Detective inspector Stewart Drummond said: “Officers would like to trace the man pictured as he may be able to assist with the investigation. We would further ask that anyone who may have information in relation to the robberies or the man pictured contacts us as soon as possible.
“In the first image, the man can be seen was wearing a black jacket, a dark beanie hat, dark trousers and shoes. In the second image, he can be seen wearing a dark hat, a dark snood, an orange hooded jacket, dark trousers and dark trainers.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.