A ROBBER escaped with more than £100 after threatening a shop assistant with a knife.

The incident happened at Brigg's Newsagents and General Store in Station Road, West Rainton, at 6pm on Thursday, while there were no other customers in the shop.

He pulled out a knife with a long blade and ordered the 31-year-old assistant to unlock the till. He leaned over and grabbed notes and coins totalling more than £100.

The hooded robber left the shop, turning left. The assistant was shaken but unhurt.

Police say the robber is about 5ft 8ins, of slim to medium build, and was wearing baggy clothes, blue jeans with a chain hanging from the left back pocket, blue gloves and a blue hooded top pulled over a balaclava or woollen top.

Police are hoping that people driving along Station Road may have seen the man, thought to be in his 20s, and are urging them to call Detective Constable Joanne Days on 0845 60 60 365.