A SHOP owner has told of the terrifying moment a knifeman robbed him of cash and cigarettes.

The raider went into the Wilson’s Food Store in The Villas, at Thornley, near Peterlee, just before 4.15pm, on Monday, and threatened staff at the premises.

He demanded money from the shopkeeper, then escaped with cash and cigarettes on foot in the direction of Shinwell Crescent.

Kevin Wilson, 55, said: “A man came into the shop with a knife and a bag and said I want you to put everything in there.

“At first, I thought it was someone messing about and didn't see the knife.

“But then he came behind the counter and bumped against me.

“I looked down and that is when I saw the knife.

“Being a hero did not cross my mind.

“I opened the till and said:  ‘there is the money’ and gave him the cigarettes.

“At one point he said: ‘you’re not going fast enough’ and raised the knife.

“My wife was also in the shop at the time at the deli counter. I think she was more frightened than me.”

Mr Wilson said the man was wearing a black hooded top and a baseball cap which was pulled down over his face, and blue jeans.

He is described as being short and of stocky build and spoke with a local accent.

He said the man could have been in his 30s.
No-one was hurt during the incident.

Police officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed the robbery or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to get in touch.
Anyone with information is asked to ring Peterlee CID on 101, quoting incident number 0283 of July 1, or alternatively ring Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.