Man jailed after robbery bid in two Consett stores

Michael Murray attended two stores in Consett in early September and threatened both staff in an attempt to steal money from the tills. 

On both occasions, the 21-year-old used a weapon to threaten the shopkeepers, waving a hammer in the first robbery and a 12-inch knife in the second.

An image from the incident caught on CCTV shows the shocking moment a weapon-wielding Murray brandished a knife on top of the store counter during the robbery bid. 

Michael Murray at the till with a knife (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

However, the victim of the second incident refused to hand over the cash and quickly called the police, which prompted Murray to flee.

Officers caught up with Murray as he attempted to run off along a woodland track and arrested him on suspicion of two counts of attempted robbery and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

Michael Murray (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

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Murray appeared at Durham Crown Court last week and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Detective Sergeant David Toomer, from Consett CID said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victims who had gone into work that day to simply do their job.

“Thankfully, the victims were quick to call us and we were able to locate Murray swiftly after - I hope they can now find some closure in knowing that he is now behind bars."