AN APPEAL was made last night for information to help police catch the gang responsible for an armed raid on a taxi company premises.

Proprietor John McManners was slightly injured and three members of his family, plus office assistant John Shawcross, were left traumatised after the frightening ordeal at Mac's Taxis, in Sherburn Road, Durham.

Four masked men, one armed with a shotgun and another with a handgun, bound Mr Shawcross and ushered him and three members of his family into a room.

Mr McManners was forced to hand over money from the safe and the raiders fled with about £1,000, in the incident on Wednesday evening.

Detectives have appealed for information from witnesses who may have seen the gang entering or leaving the one-storey premises at about 7.15pm.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin, of Durham City CID, said last night: "We have had a small number of calls from local people and we are keen to encourage others to ring in.

"We are pursuing a number of promising leads which we hope will prove fruitful."

He said the family and members of staff involved in the incident were bearing up.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-386 4222.