POLICE are hunting for a robber who held up a store while brandishing a metal pole.

A police spokesman said a man carrying a silver metal pole entered the Tesco Express Store, in Stockton Road, Seaham, County Durham, at 7.30pm on Sunday.

The man, who was described as being between 35 and 45 years handed over a note to the two members of staff demanding money.

The shop assistants, fearing the man was potentially violent, handed over around £200 from the till.

The man then calmly walked out of the store and turned left, before heading down the bank in the direction of the Mill Inn pub.

Detective Constable Chris Robinson said: "There were a number of customers in the store just before and at the time of the incident and I am sure several of them will have seen this man.

"I would ask anyone who was in Tesco Express and has any information to come forward.."

The robber was 5ft 7in tall, of medium build and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a dirty brown cap. Police say both members of staff were left in a state of shock by what took place.

Anyone with information should contact Seaham CID on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.