A teenager has been arrested after a masked man entered a County Durham supermarket armed with a knife.

The robber made off with cigarettes after targeting the  Co-op store on Seaside Lane, Easington, at around 6.55am this morning (Thursday, August 8). 

Police were called and an investigation is now underway.

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A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "A masked man is reported to have entered the store carrying a knife, before making off with a quantity of stolen cigarettes. 

"A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and affray, and further enquiries are underway. 

"Nobody was injured during the incident."

A spokesperson for Co-op said he store will  re-open later today to serve the community.

He said: “There was an incident at our Easington Colliery store which took place just before 7am this morning (Thursday, 8 August).

"No colleagues were harmed and they are being fully supported."

"The police are investigating, and we would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward."