An axe-wielding man chased staff at a shop and petrol station during two terrifying attacks last week.

Detectives say it is believed the two incidents in Stoke Poges and Slough are linked and want witnesses to come forward in a search for the man.

The first attack was at around 1.45pm on Tuesday when a man wearing a bandana entered the Tubwell Store newsagents in Tubwell Road, Stoke Poges.

He approached a female member of staff, removed his bandana and spoke to her. He then removed an axe from down the front of his trousers and raised it.

The victim screamed and ran away through an adjoining door and the offender left. The victim was not injured and nothing was stolen during the incident.

The offender is described as Asian, slim, aged in his early to mid twenties. He was wearing blue jeans, a black bandana and was possibly wearing a hat.

At around 11.10pm on the same day a man approached the Texaco petrol station in Farnham Road, Slough, and shouted to be let in. When he was refused he produced an axe and forced his way in through a door.

The man went behind the counter into the staff area with the axe. He raised it above his head and chased the shop assistant behind the counter.

As the victim tried to escape, he mounted the counter to run away. The offender pushed the victim, causing him to fall and sustain a broken wrist.

The offender was wearing a black Fred Perry top with white piping on the shoulders and side with the hood up, dark jeans, a black scarf covering his face and had black gloves.

Det Sgt Jonathan Groenen, from Maidenhead Force CID, said: “Detectives are investigating the circumstances of both incidents.

“While we are keeping an open mind, early indications suggest they may be linked.

“If you have any information about either incident which may help police with enquiries or saw anything suspicious in either area, please contact police on 101.”

Witnesses can also speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

  • A 26-year-old woman from Slough and a 38-year-old woman from Slough have been arrested in connection with the Farnham Road offence. They have been bailed until 6 October.