A man has been charged in connection with two robberies.

The robberies happened at shops in Maple Cross and Bovingdon.

On January 3, cash and cigarettes were stolen from McColls newsagents in Chalfont Road, Maple Cross, after a cashier was threatened.

The week before, on Boxing Day, cigarettes were stolen from the Co-op in Bovingdon High Street, where a cashier was also threatened.

Francis Alfonso, aged 37, from Quarrendon Road in Amersham, has been charged with two counts of robbery, possession of a firearm, namely a stun gun or taser, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He appeared before Hatfield Remand Court today (Wednesday) and was remanded in custody to appear before St Albans Crown Court on February 9.