THREE passers-by could hold vital clues in the hunt for a gunman who tried to hold up a North-East post office.

The attempted armed robbery took place at about 2pm on Tuesday, when the man burst into the post office in Quebec Street, Langley Park, near Durham, brandishing a gun and demanding cash.

He fled empty-handed when the woman behind the counter sounded the alarm.

Detectives have established that the man waited in side streets around the post office for ten to 15 minutes before the attack.

They believe he delayed the attempted robbery until he was sure there were no customers inside the post office.

Investigators think three people saw the man during this time and are urging them to come forward. They are keen to trace a woman with blonde hair who used the post office and left with a man.

The pair are believed to have passed the robber as they walked along the lane connecting Quebec Street and South View.

Police would also like to speak to a woman, who passed the suspect at the back of the post office.

Detective Sergeant Vic Deanes, of Derwentside CID, said: "All three people are potentially very important witnesses and I would like them to contact me, or any of the officers involved in the case."

The robber was described as white, in his early 20s, about 5ft 8in, and of slim to medium build.

He had a pale complexion with sharp features and was clean shaven.

He spoke with a local accent and wore a dark coloured, padded, waist-length coat with light coloured trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID officers at Consett police station, on (01207) 504204.