A man who claimed he had a gun and tried to rob two banks in a day is being sought by police after they released CCTV footage of the suspect.

The first attempted robbery saw the man enter and claim he had a gun and would use it if his demands were not met.

This was at the Nationwide Bank in Church Road, Ashford on Friday February 9 at 3.52pm.

The security shutters were activated and the man fled towards Ashford train station empty-handed.

About 40 minutes later the man entered the Halifax Building Society in Shepperton High Street, carrying two bags.

He put one on the counter and demanded money be put in it, and the cashier obliged fearing the robber had a gun in the other bag.

The man left the branch with a "substantial amount" and turned left towards Russell Road.

He is described as a white male, between 35 and 40 years old, around 5ft 11in, medium build, a round face and spoke with an English accent.

He was wearing round glasses, a dark beanie-style hat, a black jacket and blue jeans.

Detectives also believe the same man robbed the HSBC Bank, North Street, Leatherhead on Wednesday February 13 and tried to rob the Abbey National in Egham High Street on Tuesday 5 February.

Detective Constable Simon Egan, who is leading the investigation, said: "This man threatened innocent members of staff and customers and this cannot, and will not, be tolerated."

Anyone with information on either the Ashford or Shepperton incidents should call DC Egan at Staines CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference A/08/3214 for the Nationwide incident or A/08/3216 for the Halifax incident.

Anyone with information on the Leatherhead incident should call detectives at Caterham CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference B/08/3224.