MOTORISTS may have vital information for police investigating an armed raid on a motorway service station shop.

A security guard and a member of the public were threatened by two sword-carrying raiders who struck at the Esso shop on the northbound side of the Washington Services, off the A1(M).

The cashier was threatened at gun-point by a third member of the gang, who jumped over the counter and ordered her to open the till.

He then grabbed a quantity of cash, before all three made off on foot heading westbound from the service area, in the direction of Birtley.

None of the three people threatened in the incident was injured, but all were left shaken at the ordeal.

The gunman was said to be 6ft 3in, or proportionate build, and was wearing a dark jacket plus a black balaclava.

Both sword-bearers were of a similar description, approximately 6ft, of proportionate build, wearing light coloured waist length jackets, light trousers and balaclavas.

Detectives believe many motorists would have been in the vicinity of the service area at the time of the raid, shortly after 6pm on Saturday.

They believe many of these would have included shoppers making their way home from the MetroCentre, or football fans heading away from Newcastle United's Premiership match with Manchester City, at St James' Park.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-454 7555.