TWO shop assistants were left badly shaken after they were threatened by a man with a knife.

The incident happened at about 12.45pm on Tuesday, when the two employees carrying the weekend shop takings, were walking along Ormesby High Street towards Ormesby post office.

The 18-year-old male and 17-year-old female were approached by two men, and one of them threatened the male with a knife. They made off with a large amount of money.

The men, who ran from the High Street towards Ormesby Bank, are described as in their early 20s, both were wearing dark tracksuits and one had ginger hair.

It is believed the men had previously been seen in the area of The Fountain pub and a local petrol station.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Colin Helyer, of Middlesbrough CID, on (01642) 303126.