A MAN threatened a shopworker with a knife and demanded money before fleeing the scene empty-handed.

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the attempted robbery in Newton Aycliffe.

The incident took place at around 10.10pm last night at McColl’s convenience store, Parsons Centre.

A man entered the store and made demands for money, threatening a member of staff with a knife. He was unsuccessful and left the store empty-handed.

The suspect is described as being of thin build, gaunt, and was wearing grey jogging bottoms and a black hooded coat.

His face was covered.

Anybody who has any information relating to the incident, or who may have seen somebody fleeing the scene, is asked to contact Detective Constable Stu Chaney on 101, quoting incident number DHM-19072018-575.