POLICE are hunting a would-be robber who tried to hold up a hairdresser's salon - armed with a pen.

The man burst into Allusions hairdressers in Stanley, County Durham, just before 5.30pm last Friday.

Brandishing the pen, he threatened the female counter attendant and demanded money from the till. But when she showed him that the till was empty, he fled on foot.

The man is described as aged 18 to 20. He was wearing a waist-length, padded jacket and a black woollen hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call Stanley police on (01207) 232144.