THE hunt is on for an armed robber who raided a South Shields shop.
The thief is seen wearing a cream jacket with a hat pulled down to mask his face, as he waited for customers to leave at closing time.
He then threatened two terrified female staff with a handgun and ordered them to hand over money from the till a
t the Nisa Store in Lord Street, South Shields, before two customers, a man and woman, wandered in.
The agitated raider ordered the women assistants to get rid of them, but the staff told them: "We're being robbed. Get help". Police have said the robber threatened the staff with what appeared to
be a handgun before he scarpered with thousands of pounds.
Detectives have made local inquiries to trace the raider and have
issued CCTV images of the suspect and asked for the public's help to try to identify him.
Acting Det Sgt Andy Richardson, of South Tyneside CID, said: "We want to hear from anyone who may have seen this man at the time, or who could identify him from his clothing.
"Two female staff were about to close the shop when a man pulled out what appeared to be a handgun and threatened them. Fortunately, no one was hurt but they were left distressed.
"We would also like the customers who came in at the time to contact us."
The raid happened at around 11pm on Saturday, April 26. Police said the robber is around 5ft 8in, slim and had a local accent. He escaped after stuffing the cash into a bag.
At the time he wore a cream-coloured quilted jacket and black jeans with a balaclava, partially covering his face.
Anyone with information should contact the confidential Crimestoppers charity, and give the recon number 47/08, on 0800 555 111. It may result in a substantial cash reward.
The full article contains 317 words and appears in Shields Gazette newspaper.
