A pair of armed robbers who threatened cashiers in Orpington with a sawn-off shotgun have been convicted of a string of violent robberies in the Bromley borough.

Unemployed Paul Brown, 38, from Orpington, and Scott Smith, also 38, from Lincolnshire, were found guilty of three counts of armed robbery after a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

In December last year Brown, of Isabella Drive, approached the counter of a post office in Crofton Road, Orpington, before he threatened staff with a handgun.

Smith shoved a bag under the security screen and demanded staff fill it with money, before the pair made off with £695.

Later that month the pair struck again, this time at a newsagents in Crofton Road.

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JAILED: Paul Brown from Orpington

Armed with what was believed to be a sawn-off shotgun, Smith and Brown threatened staff and demanded money, stealing £400.

In February this year, the robbers went to the Co-op store in Crescent Way, Orpington, again armed with a sawn-off shotgun.

They threatened two young cashiers at the till before making off with £200.

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JAILED: Scott Smith from Lincolnshire.

Smith and Brown donned a combination of hats and glasses in an attempt to hide their identity whilst carrying out their violent crimes.

After an investigation was launched by the Met’s Flying Squad, both men were arrested on March 8 and charged with three counts of armed robbery.

Detective Sergeant Gary Ferguson, of the Flying Squad, said: “We were determined to catch Smith and Brown quickly as their crimes included serious threats of extreme violence towards innocent members of the public.

“I am delighted that the danger they posed to public safety has now been averted by their imprisonment.

“I have no doubt that, had they not been arrested so quickly, they would have gone on to commit further offences.”

Smith and Brown will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on August 12.