POLICE are appealing for information about the bizarre events surrounding a raid on a store.

The robbery took place at the Londis general dealers and newsagents shops at Teesville, near Middlesbrough, at about 9.45pm on Thursday.

Three men wearing hoods walked into the shop and threatened female staff, who locked themselves in the store room. They forced open the till, taking money and cigarettes.

When a man who lives on the premises intervened, a fight began, which was joined by an off-duty police officer.

They chased the robbers, but then the trio turned round and chased them back to the shop where they threw a newspaper billboard through the window.

No one was hurt during the incident.

The three raiders are described as in their early twenties and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Redcar CID on (01642) 302626