POLICE have appealed for information after two masked robbers fled with a quantity of cash from a north Durham bookmakers a fortnight ago.

A police spokesman said the pair struck at William Hill's in Park Road, South Moor, between 9pm and 9.15pm on Friday, April 21.

The premises were still open at the time, but the two female members of staff inside were starting to cash up.

The spokesman said: "They had just cleared one of the casino machines and were counting out the money when the front door was flung open and two men entered, both wearing navy blue fleeces and dark ski masks.

"The pair started shouting and swearing at the staff, demanding they hand over money.

"Although it is unclear whether the men carried any weapons, their method succeeded in panicking the women into throwing a large amount of the money from the casino machine on to the floor."

The raiders stooped down to gather the cash from the floor and escaped with about £700, running along Park Road towards Stanley town centre before they disappeared from sight.

The men were both of below-average height, one was stockier the other.

Anyone who was in the area who might have seen the two men, either before or after they entered the premises, is asked to contact Detective Constable Paul Gray, at Stanley CID, on 0845 60 60 365, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.