POLICE have asked for a driver who had an exchange of words with a suspect following an attempted armed robbery to come forward.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said officers were called to Londis on Lincolm Avenue, Sunderland, shortly before 6.30am on Thursday, September 27, following a report of an attempted armed robbery.

A man, who entered the shop wearing all black and with his face covered, threatened staff with a knife.

They refused to hand him any money and chased him from the store, and the offender then fled in the direction of Westgate Avenue.

Nobody was injured during the incident but a member of staff was very shaken up by what happened.

An investigation is underway as police look to identify the person responsible, who is described as white, aged in his 20s and wearing all black.

As part of ongoing enquiries, police have studied CCTV footage which shows a brief exchange of words between the suspect and the driver of a dark-coloured vehicle which drove down Lincoln Avenue shortly after the robbery.

Officers are keen to trace the driver of the vehicle, who they hope may have key information that can help police with the investigation.

The witness, or anyone with information that could assist detectives with the investigation, is asked to contact 101 quoting log 160 270918 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.