The incident took place shortly before 11am on Thursday, December 17 when police officers received a report of a robbery at a Jet petrol station on King George Road in South Shields.
It is understood that a man had entered the store in possession of a bladed article and threatened the staff with it, before making off from the scene with a quantity of money.
Police have confirmed that no one was injured during the incident but have said that the staff are “understandably shaken” by the ordeal.
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Officers have now launched an investigation into the crime and are keen to trace those who are involved – urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information to get in touch with them as soon as possible.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 11am today (Thursday) we received a report of a robbery at a petrol station garage on King George Road, South Shields.
An investigation has been launched into the ‘terrifying ordeal’.
Detective Constable Kelly Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry in a bid to make sure the person behind this appalling robbery is apprehended and brought to justice.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the staff and we will continue to offer them any support they need.
“The offender swiftly left the scene after getting his hands on the cash box. We want anyone who believes they know who was involved, or saw anything in the area at the time, to come forward.
“Please also check any dashcam footage or CCTV systems and get in touch if you spot anything of interest or have information that can assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log 255 171220.
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