RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after their local store was targeted by an armed robber twice in a matter of days.

A raider brandishing a large kitchen knife struck at The One Stop store on York Road, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, on Sunday. And this morning (Wednesday, July 29) a man wielding a small pickaxe robbed the store.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that the raids it may be linked to others in the area.

The shop alongside the busy A167 remained closed until 1.30pm today to allow a forensic examination of the premises.

One customer, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is shocking. There are mainly women working in there. They must be pretty shaken up."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said a man with a kitchen knife and wearing a bag over his head entered the shop at 7.45am on Sunday and threatened a member of staff.

He fled on foot with a small amount of cash. Nobody was hurt.

The man was believed to be white, about 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a blue hoodie, with a light-blue shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

Detectives believe the incident could be connected to a report from earlier in the morning where a man entered the BP motorway services in Birtley, also carrying a knife. He left without incident.

Then at 7.10am this morning (Wednesday, July 29) officers received reports that a man fled the Co-operative supermarket in the Allerdene estate, in Gateshead, empty-handed after threatening staff. He was driving a red-coloured vehicle.

At about 7.20am a man entered the One Stop shop in Birtley and threatened staff with a small pickaxe, before fleeing with a small quantity of cash.

A red vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident was found burnt out in Wallace Gardens, in Gateshead.

Detective Inspector Michelle Robson said: "We believe these two robberies are linked and that the same offender is responsible for both incidents.

"We will also be investigating whether there is any link between these incidents and two robberies in the same area on Sunday."

The offender is described as white with a tanned complexion, around 5ft 9ins tall, aged in his early 20s and of chubby build. He was wearing a scarf across his face, gloves, a dark-hooded top and trousers.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 152 290715.