Shop owner threatened with knife as armed robber snatches 'large sum' of cash

A masked man stormed a village store as he threatened its owner with a knife to steal cash from its till and safe.
The shop targeted in Wheatley Hill is in Wingate Lane. Image copyright Google Maps.The shop targeted in Wheatley Hill is in Wingate Lane. Image copyright Google Maps.
The shop targeted in Wheatley Hill is in Wingate Lane. Image copyright Google Maps.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the armed man held up the owner of a general store in Wheatley Hill last night.

The man, wearing a balaclava and dark clothing, entered the Wingate Lane Post Office and General Store, on Wingate Lane, at around 8.10pm.

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He brandished the knife at the woman owner, who was also the sole member of staff in the premises, and demanded money from the till.

He also took a large sum of cash from the small safe located inside the store, which also functions as a Post Office.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "The suspect, described as average height and stocky build, the left the store and headed off in an unknown direction.

"His victim was left extremely shaken, but physically uninjured."

Detectives from Peterlee CID are carrying out inquiries.

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Officers are asking anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area, between 7.45pm and 8.15pm last night to come forward.

They should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.