Knife man in attempted armed robbery at Sunderland Subway sandwich shop

Police are appealing for information after the attempted robbery, which took place on Friday at about 9.10pm at the shop in Chester Road in Sunderland.

The would-be robber threatened the member of staff with a knife and demanded money before fleeing the store empty handed.

The offender is thought to be white, in his 20s, around 5ft 5ins tall and was wearing a black jacket with a grey scarf covering his face.

He spoke with a local accent.

Officers believe the incident could be linked to a robbery that happened at the NISA Local store in Hylton Road at about 8.45am on Sunday, June 12, where cash was stolen.

The descriptions of the man is similar in both incidents.

Inquiries are ongoing in the area and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 967 17/06/16.