A FEMALE shop assistant was left with cuts and bruises after a knifepoint robbery at a North-East newsagents.

The incident happened at noon on Monday at Walmsley Newsagents, in Norton Road, Stockton, Teesside.

A man entered the shop brandishing a knife and threatened the lone shop assistant. He demanded money from the till and, when she refused, he held the knife to her throat and pushed her to the ground.

He took about £40 from the till and some cigarettes, and fled the shop. The assistant, who is in her late thirties, was left with cuts and bruises and suffered extreme shock.

The man is described as in his late twenties, with a slim build, unshaven with shoulder-length hair and a local accent. He was wearing a blue cap and green fleece.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Bradley, of Stockton CID said: "This was an extremely nasty and cowardly attack on a woman. Fortunately, she was not badly injured but has been traumatised by the incident.

"This attack took place at a busy time in the middle of the day and we are hoping witnesses will come forward with any information."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on (01642) 202234.