POLICE are investigating a possible link between two armed robberies in west Belfast.

A man armed with a knife went into a bookmakers on the Grosvenor Road just before 9 pm on Saturday night and threatened a member of staff.

He then produced a suspected firearm and threatened a second staff member before making off empty handed.

An hour later a man also armed with a suspected firearm robbed an off-license on the Springfield Road.

He fled with a sum of money and a quantity of cigarettes.

Detectives believe he may also have been carrying a knife.