ANOTHER Darlington off- licence store has been robbed at knifepoint - two weeks after three others were raided.

Four shops and a takeaway have now been attacked by men carrying knives, since January 14.

The latest incident took place at Olympic Mini Stores, Olympic Street, on Friday at 8.20pm.

A man walked into the shop armed with a knife and demanded money from the two assistants.

About £570 was taken from the till. The raider, who was wearing a balaclava, ran off along Brinkburn Road. Another man is believed to have been waiting outside.

Lesley Waters, owner of the shop, said: "At about 8.20pm, two female staff were in the shop. A guy came in wearing all black and face covered with a balaclava.

"He wasn't offensive, apart from the fact he had a knife and demanded money."

She said it was a terrifying ordeal for her two members of staff.

Mrs Waters said: "They are still very shaken. One was supposed to be working on Saturday morning, but she took the day off."

Police are still keeping an open mind on whether the attack is linked to previous attacks in Darlington.

Detectives are looking at the methods used and the descriptions to see if the incidents are linked.

Between January 14 and 18, three shops and a takeaway were all robbed by men armed with knives, who stole a total of about £1,000.

Raiders first held up Bargain Booze, in Yarm Road. Two days later, £200 was taken from Sharmas Newsagents, in North Road.

Within hours on January 18, Noaman's Store, in Brook Terrace and Cockerton's Pizza Hut delivery unit were targeted.

No knife was shown at Pizza Hut.

The manager has offered a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

All the men involved in the previous attacks worked in pairs and hid their faces with tights, balaclavas or scarves.

Anybody with information is asked to contact the police on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.