POLICE are hunting an armed raider who tried to steal cash from a cleaning company.

The man, wearing a ski mask and carrying a firearm, entered Top C Cleaning, George Street, Thornaby, Teesside, just before noon on Friday, and demanded money from wages clerk Samantha Nugent.

Ms Nugent said: "He just burst in with a gun and started shouting at me to open the door and give him the money.

"I just went hysterical and ran out to the back, where my boss was. When he saw my boss, he ran off. He would have had to break through a glass door to get to us." Police believe the intruder ran off in the direction of the A66, or into the Mandale Industrial Estate.

The man was described as around 5ft 7in, and of slim build. He wore blue overalls.

Acting Detective Sergeant Gary Nolan said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in this busy area at the time, and who may have seen something, to come forward."

Police can be contacted on (01642) 302233, or 302239.