POLICE began a city centre search yesterday for the weapon that wounded a shop manager during a foiled robbery.

The 45-year-old manager of North Road Jewellers, in Durham, needed 12 stitches to the back of his head and stitches in his left hand after the knife attack.

The man, who has not been named, was released after treatment at the city's University Hospital of North Durham.

He and two members of staff tackled the masked teenager who tried to rob the shop at 1pm on Monday, ordering them to open the safe and then lie on the floor.

The youngster escaped with a tray of costume jewellery. A defensive spray was squirted in his face during the struggle.

A police spokesman said yesterday that officers had started searching drains and overgrown flower beds in the area, to see if the ten-inch blade had been thrown away in the area.

The robber, who was said to be in his late teens, fled up North Road. Someone fitting his description was spotted at the city's railway station.

Detective Inspector Andy Reddick said the raider's eyes and breathing may have been affected by the spray.

The suspect is white, 5ft 10in to 6ft, and of slim to medium build.

He has a pale complexion and a shaved haircut on the back and sides. The hair on top is also short, with a slight fringe.

He wore a short black jacket and light-coloured jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call police, on 0191-386 4222, or Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.