ROBBERS armed with a hammer stole money from a betting shop.
The pair struck at about 9.50pm on Wednesday (February 4) at William Hill in Front Street, Fence Houses, near Chester-le-Street.
One man, who wielded the hammer, approached the counter and demanded that a staff member hand over cash.
He then smashed the counter screen and took some money before fleeing with his accomplice.
The cashier was slightly hurt by glass from the smashed screen and was left shaken by the incident.
Police say that both offenders were wearing grey clothing and that one had a grey scarf covering his face.
Officers are carrying out high-profile patrols in the area to speak to, and reassure, residents.
Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously, or any suspicious vehicles, at the time of the incident is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference number 1100 04/02/15.
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