A MACHETE wielding man fled empty-handed after attempting to rob a newsagents.

Police are appealing for information after the newsagents was targeted in Sunderland.

The incident happened just after 6am this morning (Saturday) at Max & Sons in Eden Vale. A man went into the store and threatened staff with a machete. He made off empty-handed.

"A member of staff suffered a minor hand injury during the incident," said a spokeswoman for Northumbria Police.

"The offender is described as white, 5ft to 8ft 10ins tall, slim to medium build, wearing black bottoms, a black top with two white stripes down each sleeve and a small motif on the left side of the chest, he had a grey hooded top underneath the black jacket and a black mask pulled down over his face."

Officers are asking anyone who was in Eden Vale early this morning (Saturday) to contact them as they may have information that can help with their enquiries.

Any witnesses should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 336 081114 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.