POLICE have released an e-fit of an offender involved in the robbery that took place in Canal Road, Taunton, on Thursday, August 9.

Two knife-point robberies took place in Taunton at around midnight on the Thursday evening.

The first incident happened at about 11.55pm when a 32-year-old man was cycling in Canal Road and forced off his bike by two men.

One of the men threatened the victim with a knife, forcing him to hand over his wallet.

The victim was punched in the face and received treatment for minor facial injuries at Musgrove Park Hospital.

A short time later, at about 12.10am, and about three quarters of a mile away, a second cyclist was robbed.

The 29-year-old man was cycling from Bathpool towards Obridge on the towpath of the River Tone when two men again punched him and threatened him with a knife. They made off with his wallet, jewellery and electrical items.

This victim was also treated for facial injuries at Musgrove Park Hospital.

The suspects are described as white men in their late teens to early 20s.

One was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top and dark baseball cap. The other was also wearing a dark hooded top and tracksuit bottoms.

The offenders then went off towards the Bathpool / Bridgwater Road area.

Because of the similar descriptions and locations, police believe the two incidents may be linked.

Anyone who saw two men matching these descriptions or has any information about who may be responsible is asked to contact Taunton CID on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.