Man admits attempted robbery after armed police raid house in Washington

Officers raided a house in Usworth Station Road, Sulgrave, around 7pm on Friday, December 27.

The move came after a report of an armed robbery at the Best One shop in Front Street, Concord.

It was reported a man had threatened the shopkeeper with a suspected firearm, but fled empty-handed. Nobody was injured.

One neighbour said: “A black car pulled up and then a grey X5 pulled up as well,” he said.

“We saw a lot of police and multiple armed response officers. They told us to get back in the house.

“That was it.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said at the time: “At approx. 6pm this evening police received a report of an armed robbery at the Best One shop, Front Street, Concord Washington.

“It is reported that a man entered the shop, threatened the shopkeeper with a firearm and demanded money. The shopkeeper refused and wrestled with the man who then made off empty handed.

“The man is described a white male, 5ft 3ins, skinny build and was wearing black clothing and a black and grey cap.”

Thirty-one-year-old Christopher Allison appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday, December 30, in connection with the incident at the Best One Shop.

He was committed to Newcastle Crown Court, where he appeared last week and admitted a charge of attempted robbery.

Allison, of Johnson Terrace, Washington, was remanded in custody to await sentence on Thursday, March 26.