ARMED robbers who struck in Kirklees are thought to have carried out raids at fast food restaurants across northern England.

The thieves are targeting KFC restaurants and started their crime spree in Dewsbury last December.

Since then they have raided five more KFCs - including one at Birstall.

Restaurants from the same chain have also been robbed in Lancashire.

The full list of KFC targets is:

December 29, Longcauseway in Dewsbury town centre.

January 2, Glasshoughton, near Castleford.

February 6, Fleetwood, Lancashire.

February 28, Colton in Leeds.

March 9, Blackpool, Lancashire.

March 10, Bankfoot Way, Birstall.

In the Dewsbury raid on December 29 the thieves struck shortly after 10.45pm.

Two masked raiders forced three members of staff to open a safe and stole cash before escaping in a silver BMW.

They struck at the Birstall restaurant on March 10, also at 10.45pm.

A group of men ordered one staff member to open the safe and the rest to lie on the floor.

They stole cash and fled in a red BMW.

A police spokeswoman said: "A reward has been put up for any information that may lead to the arrest and charge of the offenders."

Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.