SHOPPERS who witnessed an armed raid at a charity shop are urged to come forward to help police inquiries.

An e-fit picture was issued yesterday of the robber, who struck at the Cancer Research shop at the rear of Silver Street, in Durham city centre, on Monday.

He threatened two female members of staff with what appeared to be a handgun, before grabbing a small amount of cash from the till and fleeing the shop.

Both assistants were left badly shocked, but otherwise unhurt.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin, of Durham City CID, said it is understood several customers were in the premises at the time of the incident, at 2.30pm, while the streets outside were thronging with early Christmas shoppers.

The robber headed in the direction of the market place, although he may have turned into any one of several alleyways leading off Silver Street.

Det Sgt Malkin said: "There appears to have been quite a few people around, inside and outside the premises, and we would like to speak to them if they saw anything of the incident."

He said the raider's behaviour prior to the robbery was "strange" as he went into the shop, came out and took off his light-coloured top, before returning wearing a burgundy top, with the original garment tied round his waist.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham City CID on 0191-386 4222.