ARMED robbers threatened a female employee at a petrol station before making off with cash from the till.

Police were alerted to an armed robbery at Four Acres petrol station on the Felling Bypass, at Gateshead, just after 9pm on Saturday.

Two masked men – who covered their faces to conceal their identity – entered the garage carrying a bladed weapon and threatened the employee. The intruders demanded money was handed over from the till and fled with around £300 in cash.

The Northern Echo:

Nobody was injured, but the employee who was in the shop alone was left shaken by the incident.

Detectives from Northumbria Police’s Central CID department have launched and investigation and appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Laura Stabler said: “This was an appalling incident and was absolutely terrifying for the innocent victim who was working in the garage.

“Two masked men entered the premises and acted aggressively, in possession of a bladed weapon, and threatened to harm the shop worker unless she bowed to their demands.

“The woman was ordered to hand over a quantity of cash from the till, before the offenders left the scene. We understand the men made off over the main road of the Felling Bypass after carrying out this offence and we would like to hear if any motorists saw them or may have dashcam footage.

"A team of detectives are carrying out a number of enquiries and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. This type of criminality will not be tolerated and a full investigation is ongoing.

“I would like to appeal to the public for information, and have released the images of two men that we would like to identify in connection with this offence. If you recognise them, or saw anything suspicious, please pick up the phone.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 1163 070919, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111 or email 636@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.