DETECTIVES investigating a robbery at a travel agency are appealing for information about anyone trying to exchange large volumes of foreign currency.

A quantity of bank notes including Euros, US dollars and Turkish lira were taken during a robbery at Hays Travel in Front Street, Stanley on Friday.

Durham Constabulary officers investigating the robbery are asking for information on any suspicious or unusual attempts to exchange large amounts of foreign bank notes.

The armed robber made off with a bag of money at around 10.40am after staff at the shop were threatened with an axe.

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The suspect in the case was arrested hours later on Friday following a major police operation in and around the town.

Peter Elvin, 40, appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Elvin, Dunholme Road, Newcastle, will next appear at Durham Crown Court on November 1.

To help call Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield on 0191-375-2412.

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