Man due in court after attempted armed robbery at Washington convenience store

Christopher Allison, 31, of Johnson Terrace, Sulgrave, has been charged with attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.

He is due to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside today (Monday).

It comes after police were called to the Best One shop on Front Street, Concord, following a report of an armed robbery, at around 6pm on December 27.

It was reported that a man had entered the shop and threatened the shopkeeper with a suspected firearm, before demanding money.

But following a short altercation with the shopkeeper, the man fled the scene empty-handed. Nobody was injured.

An investigation was launched into the incident, and police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with their inquiries.

Following the incident one neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said he had seen a number of armed officers in and around Usworth Station Road, Sulgrave.

The neighbour told the Echo: “We saw a lot of police and multiple armed response officers. They told us to get back in the house. That was it.”

The Best One shop is said to be open for business as normal.