TWO failed armed robberies at bookmakers are being linked by police.

A man dressed in a white paper suit and a black balaclava entered Ladbrokes in Greenhills Square, East Kilbride, at 8.30pm on Thursday and threatened staff with what appeared to be a small firearm.

Two customers challenged the man, who left empty-handed.

The previous night, two men dressed in balaclavas and white paper suits demanded money in a Ladbrokes in Nitshill, Glasgow, but again left with nothing after being challenged.

On that occasion the men set off in a small white car and were described as having Glasgow accents.

Police Scotland have asked anyone with information to call non-emergency number 101.