Police investigation launched after man threatened staff and stole cash and cigarettes from a Co-op in Ashington

£400 pounds and some cigarettes were stolen from the Co-op on Milburn Road on Saturday evening by a man carrying what is thought to be a metal pole.

The man reportedly threatened staff, but nobody was injured.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on their website or by calling 101.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 8.30pm on Saturday, November 11 we received a report of robbery at the Co-op store on Milburn Road, in Ashington.

“It was reported that a male offender who was in possession of a suspected metal pole entered the store.

“He then threatened staff into handing over about £400 in cash and a quantity of cigarettes before leaving the scene.

“Officers attended but the suspect had already left the area.

“No-one was found to have been injured in the incident.

“An investigation was immediately launched and enquiries are ongoing to locate the offender.”