TWO men are believed to be responsible for two robberies and an attempted robbery which happened within yards of each other in Whitefield.

During two of the incidents, the victims were threatened with a knife and a metal bar.

Last Friday, at about 10.30pm, a 16-year-old boy was walking along Sandgate Road when he was approached by a man with a scarf wrapped round his face.

Armed with a long metal bar, he threatened the teenager and forced him to hand over his mobile phone.

Just over an hour later, a 63-year-old man in Hazel Road was stopped and threatened by two men.

He ignored them and carried on walking.

At about 10.30pm on Saturday, an 18-year-old man was threatened by two men in Thatch Leach Lane.

One of the men brandished a knife and forced the teenager to hand over his mobile phone.

Police are linking the three incidents and are appealing for information.

The robbers wore dark clothing and hid their faces each time.

Anyone with information should call Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8212.