A SHOP owner was sprayed in the face with what police believe was CS gas before his assailant made off with mobile phones and cash.

The attack happened just before 6pm on Monday at the Phone Warehouse, in Stockton High Street.

The raider is believed to have entered the shop via a back door before spraying the owner in the face.

A large quantity of mobile phones, mainly Nokia models, were taken, along with a substantial amount of cash.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "The proprietor was not seriously injured, but the event was obviously traumatic.

"He declined an ambulance but he was taken to the University of North Tees Hospital."

Police are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the raid, or is offered a cheap Nokia mobile phone, to contact Detective Sergeant Tariq Ali, of Stockton CID, on (01642) 302226.