A CITY centre shopkeeper was forced to hand money to a knife-wielding robber.

The man went into McColls, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, and asked for a packet of cigarettes.

The woman reached over to get a packet and when she turned round she was confronted by the man pointing a knife at her.

He demanded the she give him cash from the till.

The man left the shop, taking an undisclosed sum and the cigarettes. There was no-one else in the shop at the rime of the robbery, which happened at 1pm on Sunday May 5.

Northumbria Police have issued a description of the man they are looking for. He is said to be in his early 30s, about 6ft tall, of slender build, with slight dark stubble, a moustache and tanned skin. He is described as having a deep voice, and was wearing a yellow woollen hat, large silvery sunglasses, a white scarf and a thin jumper that was dark purple on the top and dark orange on the bottom.

He also wore dark trousers and pale grey plimsoles, which were white on the sole.

Detective Constable Wendy Armsworth said: "The staff member wasn't injured but obviously was left shaken by the incident. “We're carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the man involved and would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency number on 101, extension 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.