A FOURTH man has been arrested in the hunt for a gunman who carried out two terrifying raids in the New Forest.

Police on Friday (December 29) arrested a 36-year-old man from Totton as they continue their bid to track down the person responsible for armed robberies at Brockenhurst Railway Station and at a couple’s home in Lymington.

Detectives have already arrested a 48-year-old man from Lymington and a 44-year-old New Milton man in connection with the raids.

They have been released on police bail, pending inquiries, until February.

A third man, a 44-year-old from Lymington, was arrested in connection with the two robberies but later released without charge.

As the manhunt continues to intensify, detectives say they hope DNA testing can help snare the gunman.

Forensic teams are taking samples from the cars of two victims of the armed robber so that they can be examined by experts.

It comes just days after a £5,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. A police drawing of the suspect was also released.

Detective Inspector Dave Dilly, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have had some calls in relation to the artist’s impression which we are following up and we would like to thank members of the public.

“But we would still urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are also continuing our forensic inquiries and are waiting for the results from the laboratory.”

The first robbery happened at around 6.30am on December 4 shortly after the victim had parked his Porsche at Brockenhurst Railway Station.

The gunman lay in wait before approaching his frightened victim and ordering him back in to his car. They drove around before the robber forced the man to withdraw and hand over a large amount of cash.

In the second attack, a husband and wife were held hostage in their own home by the gunman, who then drove the 64-year-old woman around Lymington before returning her home.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting Operation Prenton or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.