THIS is the moment a shopkeeper is confronted by a machete-wielding robber.

The would-be robber threatened the man just after 6am on Saturday morning, (November 8) at Max & Sons in Eden Vale, Sunderland.

After a struggle he made off empty-handed.

One staff member suffered a minor hand injury during the incident.

Acting Detective Sergeant Nick Lawrence said: "The footage is clearly distressing as it shows the man going in armed with the machete and struggling with the shopkeeper.

"This sort of incident is extremely unusual in the area and I'd like to reassure people we're doing everything we can to trace the man in the CCTV.

"This is why we've released the images - we want people to let us know who this is. Someone out there will have information about who this is and I'd encourage them to get in touch with us, anonymously if necessary.

"Even if they think the information is insignificant it could be the vital piece we need."

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 336 08/11/14, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.