Police are looking for man suspected of robbing two bookies on the same road at gunpoint wearing a monkey mask.

Newham Recorder: Police would like to speak to this man in connection with two robberies in Plaistow. Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 020 8345 4226. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Police would like to speak to this man in connection with two robberies in Plaistow. Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 020 8345 4226. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. (Image: Archant)

The suspect first entered a Coral Bookmakers in Barking Road, Plaistow, at around 11am on Sunday April 7.

When staff asked him to remove his monkey mask, he replied: “I’ve got a gun. Give me all your money” before revealing a plastic bag containing a firearm.

The betting shop handed over around £170 in cash and he left accompanied by a second man who had stood guard in the doorway.

Ten days later, the robber struck again at a Ladbrokes branch in Barking Road at 9.25am on Wednesday April 17, demanding money.

Staff tried to access the shop’s cash through security glass but failed and the suspect was forced to leave the shop empty-handed.

The robber was described as a slim, Asian man in his mid-20s to early-30s, around 5ft 10in tall, with short dark hair and a moustache.

He had possible scarring to his face and a tattoo on his neck.

His accomplice was described as an Asian man of around the same height.

Detectives from the North East Flying Squad are investigating the linked incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 020 8345 4226 or remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.