ROBBERS threatened shop staff with a hammer during a robbery.

Two men, one wielding the tool, burst into Morris Newsagents, in Usworth, Washington, Wearside, and threatened to injure staff.

They forced them to hand over an undisclosed amount of cash, before escaping into the street. The incident happened at about 5.30pm on Friday, but details were only released yesterday.

The raider with the hammer is described as 5ft 10in and aged between 20 and 25-years-old. He wore dark clothes. His accomplice was 6ft 4in and of medium build. he wore light-coloured clothes.

Witnesses are asked to call Washington CID, on 0191-454 7555