A SHOP has been targeted by the same knife-wielding robber for the second time in a week.

The robber brandished the weapon at cashiers in the Ken Warne store in Darlington on Sunday night and stole about £100 in cash and a packet of cigarettes.

Police believe it was the same man who robbed the store of £175 just four days earlier, after threatening staff with a knife on Wednesday night.

Steve Poad, manager at the store on Cleveland Terrace, said two different female cashiers were on duty during the second robbery but they were in no doubt that it was the same man both times.

Mr Poad said: “He just walked straight in same as he did last Wednesday night armed with a knife.

“He even had the audacity to ask for a packet of cigarettes afterwards.

“He had his face covered and he had a black hat on, but it was the same man who’d come in on Wednesday.

“After the first time I told Jan who runs the store with me that he would be back again because he had got away with it - and unfortunately I was right.”

The shop has now installed a panic button and police are examining CCTV footage of both robberies.

“I am just concerned that he will come back again,” said Mr Poad.

“The members of staff involved are okay, they have all been very adult about it, but it is the aftermath that can affect you when you start thinking about what could have happened.”

Police have released CCTV images of the Sunday night robbery which show the suspect wearing pink or orange gloves and blue jeans with a distinctive pattern which appeared to start from the rear left pocket.

Detective Sergeant Jim Cunningham said: “It's vital we catch this man as soon as possible before someone gets badly hurt."

Anyone who may have seen the man in the area before or after the incident at about 9.50pm on Sunday is asked to contact the Darlington Serious Crime Team on 101.