POLICE have released pictures of the terrifying moments masked men burst into a newsagents during a robbery last week.

Detectives are now trying to trace the distinctive masks worn by the raiders during the robbery in Durham City on Thursday, May 5.

At around 9.45pm, two men went into McColl's newsagents, in Alnwick Road, Newton Hall and threatened staff with what appeared to be a bladed instrument.

The pair then escaped with what police have described as "a substantial amount of cash" in a car driven by a third person.

The two women members of staff in the shop at the time were shaken but unhurt during their ordeal.

Police are working to identify the suspects, who were both wearing blue and white lumberjack-style tops, dark trousers and distinctive face masks.

Detective Constable Dave Wilson, who is investigating the robbery, said yesterday: "We need to establish where you can buy a mask like this and want to speak to anyone who has sold any recently.

"It's also possible that the masks were discarded shortly after the robbery, so if anyone finds one we'd like them to come forward."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Alnwick Road area either before or after the robbery is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 and ask for Durham city CID or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.