ROBBERS who pointed a handgun at a payday loan store assistant fled when they were disturbed by another employee.

At just after 2.35pm today (Wednesday, July 30), Northumbria Police received a report of an attempted robbery at Cash in a Flash, on Elswick Road, Washington.

"Two men entered the premises before approaching a member of staff behind the counter. One man pointed what is believed to be a handgun at the worker demanding they hand over cash," said a force spokeswoman.

"The men were disturbed by a second member of staff which resulted in them making off from the scene empty-handed.

"One man is described as wearing a green hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms, white trainers and white gloves. He had a scarf covering his face.

"The other man was wearing a dark coloured hooded top and a mask."

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.