A LATE-NIGHT shopper may have vital clues to help trace a knife-wielding robber who terrified two women shop assistants.

The masked robber, who was carrying a large kitchen knife, struck at the Booze Busters store in St Cuthbert's Avenue, in Blackhill, near Consett, on Saturday night.

At around 9.15pm, the robber, wearing a woolly hat and a scarf pulled up over his mouth, burst into the store, which is close to the junction of Benfieldside Road and opposite playing fields.

He was carrying a knife with a several-inch long blade, and, according to police, behaving aggressively

The 6ft robber then jumped on to the counter of the off-licence and demanded that the staff give him cash from the till and the safe.

The two terrified women opened the till and threw a bundle of notes, thought to be over £100, at the robber.

The man grabbed the money and fled from the store.

The two shop staff quickly locked the door and phoned police.

Moments later, as the staff waited for the police to arrive, a woman tried the door of the shop and, discovering it was locked, left the scene.

Detectives say they believe that the woman, described only as having dark hair and wearing either a maroon or burgundy top, may have seen the robber leave the premises and know the direction in which he left.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dumighan said: "This was a very frightening experience for the two women to have been put through, as the man had a large knife and was behaving in a very threatening manner.

"If there was anyone else in the area at that time on Saturday night who saw anything unusual around the Booze Busters store, we would like to hear from them."

The robber is described as being slim and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information can contact Consett CID on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.