A SHOP assistant has criticised her former employer over a perceived lack of support after she was on the receiving end of an armed robbery.

Natalie Watson was on duty at the Martin McColl's convenience store, in Whitby Way, Darlington, on September 18, when three men with machetes burst in demanding cash.

The thieves made off with cash and scratchcards and neither Mrs Watson or her colleague were injured in the robbery, although both were badly shaken up.

Mrs Watson, 28, decided she no longer wished to work for the company in the aftermath of the incident.

But she feels her attitude may have been different if more support had been forthcoming from the company.

She said: "What upset me was, the area manager was more bothered about the stock and who was going to open up the shop the next morning.

"He should have told us both to have a couple of days off to clear our heads.

"We had been telling them for months that it was not safe for two women to be working on their own there.

"It was frightening, I was put on anxiety tablets afterwards."

A McColl’s spokesman said: “The health, safety and well-being of our employees is always of the utmost importance.

"We worked closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident and have a robust and rigorous health and safety policy in place across all our stores.”

A police investigation into the armed robbery is in progress.