A MAN who went into a bookies tonight got away with an amount of cash after telling staff he was armed.

The incident happened the Betfred bookmakers in Westbourne Terrace, Shiney Row, Houghton-le-Spring, at 9pm.

He demanded money, telling staff he had a weapon - although no gun was seen by anyone in the shop.

He then made his getaway on a bike in the direction of the housing estate behind the bookies.

Northumbria Police officers are currently in the area making enquiries and are appealing for information.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of the bookmakers at the time of the incident, or who has any information that could help with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1125 15/09/16.