AN ARMED robber held up a shop in Dunblane over the weekend, just a few days after a spate of similar incidents across the Forth Valley.

Police confirmed that on Saturday, February 2, a man entered the Mini Market on Kippendavie Road at about 7.15am and brandished a knife at an employee.

Despite making demands for money, he left the premises empty handed before making off on a bicycle along Daniel Avenue towards the cemetery.

Nobody was injured during the ordeal and inquiries are now ongoing to trace the suspect, who is described as white, around 6ft tall and wearing dark clothing.

Will Hogg, detective sergeant from Falkirk CID, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "This was a very frightening ordeal for the staff member, though, thankfully, no one was injured.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the Kippendavie Road area or who may have seen the suspect.

"Similarly, if you have any other information relevant to our ongoing investigation then please also contact police immediately."

The incident in Dunblane follows on from a series of failed robbery bids in nearby Stirling, Clackmannanshire and elsewhere in recent weeks.

On Monday, January 21, a bookmakers in Tullibody was targeted by a man demanding money while carrying a knife, as was a betting shop in Falkirk the following day.

After that, on Wednesday, January 23, another bookmakers in Tullibody was held up followed by a tattoo parlour in Stirling.

No money was handed over during those attempted robberies, and no staff were harmed.

Police are currently those four incidents as connected, but have not yet formally linked them with the latest attempted robbery in Dunblane.

Anyone with any information which could aid police in their enquiries is urged to contact Forth Valley CID via 101.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.