TWO ROBBERS armed with kitchen knives fled empty-handed when a shopkeeper asked them to leave.

A police spokesman said the two raiders walked into The Kellar Cellar, on Balmoral Drive, Gateshead, and demanded money at about 7.45pm last night (Saturday August 16).

However, they were confronted by the shopkeeper.

The men, believed to be aged in their late teens or early 20s, left. No-one was injured during the incident.

One man is described as wearing a grey hoodie, with a grey scarf over his face and dark glasses.

The second was wearing a blue and white hoodie and had a black balaclava covering his face.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1115 16/08/14 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.