A policewoman has told how her car was hijacked with her young daughter still inside.

Off-duty Sergeant Cheryl Warcup told a jury at Newcastle Crown Court how she was driving in congested traffic with daughter Alice strapped in the back, when Barry Lynn stopped her.

Mr Lynn is alleged to have been one of a three-man gang who stole a cash box containing £13,000 in cash from security outside a Cost Co superstore.

Sgt Warcup told the court that Mr Lynn pointed a shotgun at her. He ordered her out and, ignoring her pleas to allow her to remove her daughter from the back, sped off.

She said: "All I could think about was getting my daughter out of the car.

"As he drove off I fell to my knees, I was absolutely devastated and I thought why is there no-one helping me?

"A few minutes later they told me that they had heard over the radio that Alice was fine. I just wanted to see her."

Mr Lynn, 24, from Aldwick Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, denies aggravated vehicle taking, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and robbery.

He is accused with Derek Oetting, 28, of Two Ball Lonnen, Cowgate, Newcastle.

Mr Lynn has also denied a charge of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, kidnapping, two charges of making use of a firearm with intent and a further charge of aggravated vehicle taking.

The trial continues.