UPDATED 5.29PM: Armed robbers have held up two Christchurch pubs this morning.

Masked intruders with guns stormed into Embankment Tavern on Ferry Rd at 8.49am.

They entered the bar before leaving in a car driven by another person, police say.

A short time later, at 10.25am, masked men also carrying firearms, entered O'Sheas bar on Marshland Rd.

They threatened staff and left with an amount of cash, police said.

They were last seen driving off in a white station wagon.

"Police cannot discount that these two incidents are linked," a police statement said.

"If you see these offenders do not approach them and phone Police immediately on 111."

Police are asking the public to inform them if they are familiar with anyone in the supplied images.

Anyone who may have any other information about these incidents or who sees anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 03 363 7400.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.