SHOTGUN wielding robbers raided a Darlington petrol station last night, forcing the lone member of staff to hand over cash - and her own car.

The balaclava clad thieves – one carrying a shotgun and the other waving a long knife – struck at the Esso garage on Grange Road at around 10.20pm.

A 43-year-old woman working alone was confronted by the two men as she emptied rubbish at the rear of the petrol station.

The pair, wearing dark clothing, forced her back into the premises as they ransacked the shop.

They forced the terrified woman to hand over the keys to her car and snatched £100 before fleeing the scene in her silver Vauxhall Corsa.

The car was later found around a mile from the scene and has been recovered for forensic examinations.

Police are now appealing for information about the robbery and the suspects, one of whom is described as 6ft tall and the other, slightly shorter.

Detective Inspector Wendy Tinkler of Darlington Police said: “We had the scene fully preserved through the night so we could carry out an initial examination.

“As part of our enquiries we are also speaking to residents to see if there is any CCTV footage which could prove useful.

“If anyone saw anything suspicious at or near to the garage on Thursday night, I would urge them to contact us.”

While she was not injured, the victim was left badly shaken by the robbery which occurred at a petrol station already the subject of concerns around anti-social behaviour.

Residents living in the area previously started a petition to stop the petrol station from selling alcohol, in the belief it would encourage further anti-social behaviour.

Anyone with information about the robbery should contact Darlington Police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.