POLICE have appealed for information from witnesses after a robber sprayed a shopkeeper in the face with an ammonia-type substance.

The incident took place at the VG food store in East Rainton, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Wednesday evening (January 9).

A stocky white male in his early to late 20s, who was wearing a dark hoody top, entered the Durham Road premises at about 7.30pm.

He approached the counter and sprayed the substance in the face of the shopkeeper before taking an amount of money from the till.

The victim, who is aged 45, received hospital treatment for superficial facial injuries. He has since been discharged from hospital.

Anyone in the vicinity of the premises at about the time of the robbery, or with information about the incident, is asked to ring Northumbria Police via the 101-non emergency number.

Alternatively, callers can pass on information anonymously, via the Crimestoppers’ freephone line, on 0800-555-111.