MASKED robbers escaped with thousands of pounds after threatening staff at a wholesaler with a shotgun.

Three men wearing ski masks burst into Hancock Cash and Carry, on Chester-le-Street's Drum Industrial Estate, at 7.20pm, on Thursday.

They were armed with a shotgun and what was thought to have been at least one other firearm.

One of the men pointed the gun at a 32-year-old member of staff who had only recently started work at the warehouse. She was said to have been "terrified" by her ordeal.

The robber ordered her to hand over the contents of the till and the robbers fled with a cash drawer containing more than £3,000.

They escaped in a stolen blue Vauxhall Cavalier, which was abandoned and set on fire in the car park of the Barley Mow pub, a mile from the industrial estate.

The men are believed to have jumped into a dark-coloured Ford Escort which arrived at the pub at the same time as the Cavalier.

The Escort made off in the direction of Vigo Lane and had not been recovered last night.

There were four staff members and a small number of customers in the cash and carry. No shots were fired and no one was hurt.

Detective Sergeant Terry McCabe, of Chester-le-Street CID, said: "These three clearly knew what they were doing and had their plan worked out beforehand."

Anyone with information is asked to call Chester-le-Street CID on 0191-388 4311, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police do not believe there is a link between the raid and an armed robbery on the Lloyds TSB bank, in Station Road, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, at 4.10pm, on Thursday.

Three men, one carrying a firearm, threatened staff and customers, before fleeing with cash in a BMW driven by a fourth man.

There was also an armed raid - again, not thought to be linked - on the Asda store, in Gosforth, Newcastle, on Wednesday. Northumbria Police are investigating