POLICE in Bishop Auckland are appealing for information after an elderly shopkeeper was attacked with a broom during an early morning robbery.

The 75-year-old man was working in the Lateshopper on Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, when the robber, whose face was concealed with a hood, entered the premises.

He threatened the shopkeeper, claiming to have a gun, and demanded money before attempting to get behind the counter.

He then grabbed a broom from a store cupboard, which he used to attack the shopkeeper.

The victim tried to defend himself with a shutter pole before his assailant snatched about £200 in cash from behind the counter and ran off.

The robber is described as being in his early 20s, about 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall.

The hood he was wearing is described as similar to those worn under motorcycle helmets.

Detective Sergeant Mark Willoughby, of Bishop Auckland CID, said that the victim was badly shaken by the attack, but did not need any medical treatment.

He appealed to anyone with information about the incident, or who was in the vicinity at the time, to contact Bishop Auckland CID on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.