Gun toting thief is believed to have taken £10,000 from 13 London shops in three month spree

Detectives have released images of a man they believe committed two armed robberies in Islington, part of a three month spree involving 13 convenience stores.

The run of robberies which has seen more than £10,000 stolen at gunpoint began at the Nisa Local near Edward Square in Caledonian Road, Islington on December 15 last year, and also included a robbery at another Nisa store opposite Caledonian Road station in Holloway on January 25 this year.

The majority of offences were committed in the Southwark area earlier this year by the lone male, however on at least two occasions he was accompanied by a younger white male, possibly a teenager. Further offences were committed in Camden and Kensington and Chelsea.

The suspect is thought to be of Southern European or Asian appearance, 25 to 30 years old, of thin build and in excess of 6ft 3ins tall. He has a British accent and often indicates that he wishes to buy an item before producing a black semi-automatic handgun and demanding cash from the till. The item to be purchased is invariably left behind when he makes off with the contents of the till.

On March 24 at a Nisa store in Southwark the suspect is believed to have attacked a female member of staff from behind, grabbing her by the throat and producing a gun. He was disturbed by a male employee and left.

Detective sergeant Andy McGuire, investigating officer for the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “We are determined to identify this man before he can commit any further offences.

“This man is not afraid to use violence and has terrified his victims, threatening them with a handgun.

“He is particularly tall and I would urge anybody who thinks they may recognise him to come forward. It is a clear picture so I hope someone will know who he is.”

Anyone who recognises this man or has information about these incidents is urged to call DS McGuire on 020 8345 4226 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.