A HAMMER-WIELDING robber fled with a small amount of cash after threatening staff and customers at a bookmakers.
Two women were working in the Coral bookmakers in West Grove, Westlea, Seaham, at 7.50pm on Saturday when the man, who is thought to have hidden his face with a scarf, told them to hand over cash.
The workers, along with a man and woman who were in the shop, were unhurt.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Chisholm, of Peterlee CID, said: "The two female staff have been left extremely upset.
"He may have run off towards the Stockton Road area and we believe there were a number of people in the area at the time, so if anybody saw anyone acting suspiciously, or this man running off, we would like to speak to them."
The suspect was described as being in his 20s, wearing dark clothing. He spoke with a local accent.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555- 111.
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