A ROBBER made a quick change of clothing before holding up staff in a city centre charity shop.

The raider was seen entering the Cancer Research shop, in Silver Street, Durham, wearing a light-coloured top.

He left then made a swift return moments later wearing a burgundy top, with the light-coloured garment tied around his waist.

The man brandished what appeared to be a small hand gun and threatened the two female members of staff, demanding cash.

He grabbed a small amount of money from the till and fled the premises, heading up the pedestrianised cobbled street.

A uniformed officer was stopped in the street by a passer-by who told him there had been a robbery and that the culprit had dashed off towards the market place.

The officer ran in the direction described by the witness, but there was no trace of the offender.

Both members of staff in the charity shop were said to be badly shaken, but otherwise unhurt.

Several customers who were in the shop at the time are believed to have witnessed the incident.

The gunman was about 30, 5ft 10in, of stocky build, with short, cropped hair and a mildly tanned, roundish face. He was wearing dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin, of Durham City CID, said anyone who knew the gunman should not approach him, but should contact police, "as a matter of urgency".

Witnesses to the hold-up, on Monday at about 2.30pm, or anyone who saw anything outside the premises, are asked to contact 0191-386 4222.

Alternatively they can ring the Crimestoppers' hotline, on (0800) 555111.