A MASKED robber, looking like the Eastenders character Phil Mitchell, threatened a Teesside newsagent and stole cash yesterday morning.

The manager of Forbuoys, in Billingham town square, answered a knock at the door at 7am, believing it to be a delivery.

He was confronted by a 6ft masked robber, in his mid-30s, who demanded money. The thief was described as looking like Phil Mitchell from the popular TV soap Eastenders.

He wore a green or black fleece and a black woolly hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call police, on (01642) 302233 or 302234