ARMED robbers stole cash from an off-licence at the weekend.

One man kept guard at the door of the Boozebusters store in Hartlepool, Teesside, while another threatened the female shop assistant with a handgun and demanded cash, before running away along Catcote Street, at about 3.20pm, on Sunday.

One thief was described as being 5ft 5in, wearing a baseball cap with his jacket pulled up over his face. The other was wearing a red and white, manager-style coat and was slightly taller.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool police, said: "This was a particularly traumatic experience for the staff member concerned.

"I would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time to come forward with information, however insignificant it may seem."