POLICE are hunting would-be robbers who fled empty-handed from a shop.

Two men, one armed with what is thought to be a baseball bat, went into Top Shop in Fines Road, Medomsley, near Consett, County Durham.

A police spokesman said that the pair demanded money from the till but when the female shop assistant hesitated they ran from the shop.

They are believed to have escaped in a white saloon driven by a third man.

"No property was taken during the incident and no-one was injured," said the spokesman, who appealed for information about the raid, which happened at about 4pm on Friday.

One of the men was said to be of mixed race, more than 6ft tall, well-built and wearing a dark Puffa-style jacket, dark trousers and scarf over the lower part of his face. His accomplice was about 5ft 5in, well-built and wearing similar clothing and a scarf on his face.

The get-away driver was in his mid-30s, thin, with receding short dark hair, a pointed nose and thin lips, and with pock marks or stubble.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Consett CID on (01207) 504204, or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555 111.