Police are trying to find a "key witness" after a man reportedly threatened staff at a Spar shop in Sunderland and stole money from the till.
Northumbria Police received a report of a robbery at Spar on Ewesley Road shortly after 7pm on Saturday (January 22).
It was reported that a male offender entered the store and threatened staff before stealing money from the till.
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Thankfully nobody was injured but the staff present were left shaken by the incident.
The force has since launched an investigation into the robbery and officers are carrying out a range of enquiries in a bid to trace the person responsible.
As part of those enquiries, officers are hoping to speak to a woman who was entering the shop at the time when the offender – who was wearing a motorbike helmet – pushed past her and made off.
It was reported that the offender was believed to be 5’8, of slim build, and of mixed race. He is believed to have been wearing a dark jacket.
PC Stephanie Anderson, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are committed to bringing effective justice against anybody found to have been involved in this incident.
"We are keen to hear from anybody with information about what happened. This happened on a busy street with a number of vehicles going past – if you saw anything, please get in touch.
"We particularly want to speak to a woman who was entering the Spar shop when the offender ran out of the door, wearing a motorbike helmet. She may have crucial evidence that can help ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
"I would like to thank the staff members for their cooperation after what was a frightening ordeal, along with the wider community who have already come forward to support our investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220122-0884. Alternatively, you can email 3809@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.
