DETECTIVES investigating a robbery believe the suspect made off in a vehicle driven by a second man.

It happened at 11.30am this morning (Friday, May 24) when police received a report that a man armed with what is believed to be a firearm, went into Whitburn Post Office at North Guards in Whitburn, South Tyneside.

He made off with a mobile phone.

There were three people in the Post Office at the time, two staff members and a customer. They were left shaken but were not injured.

It is believed the suspect got into a small black car outside the Post Office, driven by a second man, which drove off along North Guards towards Cleadon Lane.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.