A STORE manager has escaped unhurt after becoming involved in a scuffle with two masked raiders.

The robbery happened at about 11am yesterday outside the Bells Store, The Oval, Middlesbrough, when the men confronted the manager at his car with what he believed to be a handgun.

There was a struggle before the men escaped with money.

The alarm was raised as the raiders escaped in two vehicles, one of which was the manager's green Corsa - which was later found abandoned in Wardale Avenue, Middlesbrough.

The other car, believed to be a red Peugeot 405, contained a third man. It was spotted driving erratically with the Corsa shortly after the robbery and has not yet been traced.

Detective inspector Derek Carter said: "The men spoke with a local accent and it is quite possible they were seen hanging around the store before the robbery.

"We have conducted inquiries and are following up leads, and would ask that anyone with any information contacts us."

Barrie Hodgson, security manager for Bells, said: "Thankfully, the member of staff is unhurt.

"We will be offering a reward for information given to the police that results in a conviction."

Police are also appealing for information to a raid which took place in Middlesbrough at 4am, when the assistant manager of the town's Thorntree pub was woken by two men who had broken into the building.

He was forced at knifepoint to disable the pub's alarm system then ordered to open the safe which contained an undisclosed amount of money.

The 38-year-old was left with superficial injuries to his face but could not give police descriptions of the raiders.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.