A MAN armed with a silver hammer escaped with cash from a North-East bookmakers after threatening staff this evening.

The incident happened at the Pagebet shop in Dean Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, at about 8.05pm.

The man threatened staff with the hammer before leaving with an undisclosed quantity of cash.

He is described as about 18-years-old, with dark coloured hair and wearing navy coloured clothes.

Nobody was injured, but staff were shaken and shocked by the incident.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call Soith Shields CID on 03456-043-043.