POLICE have released CCTV stills of an armed robber in the hope someone can identify him - from his builder's bum!

The man - dressed in a black balaclava and wearing dark clothing jumped onto the counter of a petrol station brandishing a kitchen knife.

He demanded cash but the woman cashier at the Total Garage on St Cuthbert's Way in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, refused and he fled empty handed.

Now police have released photos of the robbery in the hope someone may recognise the robber from his ill-fitting clothes - or any other distictive features.

The man, who struck on Friday, December 23 at around 8.30pm, is described as white, of medium build.

Detective inspector Caroline Dawson said: "Someone out there may have information that would assist in identifying the person who committed this crime and we would encourage them to come forward.

"We hope that by releasing images of the items of clothing worn during the robbery they may help us identify the man involved."

Anyone with information should call Newton Aycliffe CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.