A man armed with a hammer threatened staff in an attempted robbery of an Aycliffe newsagents.
The incident happened at the Oakfield McColl’s store at about 10.20pm on Saturday (21st May).
The suspect, who was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava, entered the store and demanded cash but left empty-handed.
DC Sunil Weerasinghe said: “This was an extremely upsetting incident for the staff in the store who were understandably left very shaken. Thankfully, no one was injured and the suspect left the store with nothing.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of the newsagents around the time that this happened, or anyone who may be able to help us identify the person responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact either DC Sunil Weerasinghe or DS Graham Low from Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 508 of May 21, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
