A newsagent has been the victim of an early morning robbery just days after a sister store was targeted in a similar fashion.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the robbery at McColls newsagents in Wayside, New Addington yesterday at 4.45am.

A man, about 5ft 8ins, of large build and wearing a face mask approached a member of staff as she arrived to open up and demanded she open the store safe.

The man, who was wearing dark trousers and dark shoes, with a dark green, knee-length jacket with a fur-lined hood, took cash from the safe.

Detective Constable Billy Clough, from Croydon CID, said: "I'm appealing to anyone who may have been up and about at that early hour yesterday morning to think back if they saw anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the Fieldway area.

"Although no weapon was seen or used in yesterday's robbery, it has clearly left the victim shaken up and we are determined to try and identify the person responsible.

"I'd urge anyone with information to get in touch with police, or if you want to remain anonymous, call the Crimestoppers charity.

"Although the circumstances of this robbery appear to be similar to the robbery that occurred at the McColl's newsagent in Headley Drive last week [Monday, 29 September], we're keeping an open mind at this stage as to whether the two robberies are linked."

Anyone with information should call Croydon CID on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.