Police offered a £1,000 reward today for the capture of a "Bonnie and Clyde" couple behind seven armed hold-ups.

The man and woman threaten off-licence staff with a black handgun and demand the contents of tills.

The pair have got bolder since their first raid last November and police fear someone may get injured.

Detective Inspector Russ Bagley, heading the Operation Whirlwind hunt for the couple, said: "They are extremely dangerous and must not be challenged by staff or members of the public."

The pair's four-month crime spree has netted hundreds of pounds which police believe has been spent on feeding their drugs habits.

The offenders are both white and wear hats and scarves to cover their heads and faces.

Their targets have been off-licences but they switched on Sunday to a service station in Woodingdean. They usually strike just before closing time.

One victim said: "It was frightening. They came into the shop and pointed the gun at my colleague.

"We had to assume the gun was real - you just don't take chances."

She could not see the faces of the man and woman but assumed they were young, adding: "It seems they were laughing at us."

Another victim, who is the deputy manager at Unwins in Preston Road, Brighton, said: "I've been here for nine years and there have never been so many robberies. It's getting nasty."

Robberies linked to the couple are: November 3 - Mulberry Wines, Bristol Road, Brighton; December 6 - Victoria Wines, The Drove, Brighton; January 14 - Mulberry Wines, Sutherland Road, Brighton; January 28 - Unwins, Preston Road, Brighton; February 4 - Mulberry Wines, Hangleton Way, Hove; February 15 - Unwins, Sackville Road, Hove; February 18 - Woodingdean service station, Falmer Road, Brighton.

The £1,000 reward offered by Brighton police is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

Police have asked managers of off-licences and garages to tell staff to be on their guard.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Bagley or members of the Operation Whirlwind team at Brighton CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.