A SECOND armed robbery took place in St Neots when two women were threatened and forced to hand over money and jewellery. The women were robbed at 7.50pm on Tuesday last week in New Street. Cambridgeshire police said the pair were approached as they left

A SECOND armed robbery took place in St Neots when two women were threatened and forced to hand over money and jewellery.

The women were robbed at 7.50pm on Tuesday last week in New Street.

Cambridgeshire police said the pair were approached as they left a business by four men wearing balaclavas - one armed with a metal bar.

The women handed over a money bag jewellery was taken.

The robbery happened two days after two armed men wearing balaclavas targeted St Neots Leisure Centre.

The men, armed with a crowbar and a fence panel with a nail through it, stole cash from staff working at the reception counter on Sunday, February 24. They also demanded the keys to the safe but fled in a stolen car.

Detectives believe the two incidents may be linked.

Det Insp Martin Brunning said: "The two women have been left traumatised by this latest attack and we would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who saw a dark blue VW Passat in the area before or after the incident.

"This is an unusual incident and we are investigating the possibility that it could be linked to the recent robbery at St Neots Leisure Centre."

One of the women suffered minor injuries during the New Street robbery.

A dark blue VW Passat estate was later found dumped in Howitts Gardens.

INFORMATION: Contact Det Insp Brunning on 0845 456 4564 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.