DETECTIVES investigating a robbery in a County Durham town are keen to establish how a distinctive jacket similar to one worn by one of the robbers mysteriously turned up close to the crime scene.

Police said a red padded jacket with Eisenegger on the left breast and a black pullover were yesterday found at the entrance to Barnados charity shop just yards from the robbery scene at Callers Pegasus in Middle Street, Consett.

Two raiders, one wielding a kitchen knife and a screwdriver, escaped with thousands of pounds of cash and travellers cheques in the robbery, just after 5pm on Tuesday.

The men, who had what is believed to be crepe bandages wrapped around their faces, threatened three women staff.

They ran off to a car park in Albert Road behind Middle Street, where it is believed they were picked up by an accomplice.

Detective Inspector Simon Orton, who is leading the investigation, said the jacket would be subject to a detailed forensic examination.

He said: "We would like to know how it came to be left in the shop entrance and would like to speak to whoever left it there.

"It might have been left there quite innocently, but it is an unusual coincidence."

He said a member of the public who had seen men immediately before the raid had come forward as a result of an appeal for witnesses.

The robber wearing the red padded jacket was in his late teens or early twenties, 5ft 7in, with brown hair, a spotty neck and wearing white trainers.

His accomplice was thin, the same age, about 5ft 11in and wore a dark jacket with a white stripe or motif across the front.

Witnesses are urged to contact (01207) 504204 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111