A MAN armed with what is believed to have been a gun fled empty-handed from a deli after demanding cash.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the armed robbery in Newcastle.

It happened at Annie's Deli, behind the convienience store at Raby Cross at 1.40pm on Tuesday afternoon.

A man entered the store and produced what is believed to be a gun and demanded cash from staff before making off empty handed.

The offender is described as a white man, six feet tall, wearing a grey coloured hoody with a scarf covering his face. He spoke with a local accent.

No one was injured during the incident but staff members were left shocked.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to contact police.

Detective Inspector, Gillian Beecroft, said: "We have officers in the area carrying out enquiries and speaking with people to offer reassurance.

"Anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident and have any information to help should contact police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0531 17/05/16 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.