A MAN wearing a balaclava carried out a suspected armed robbery with a bladed weapon last night, police have confirmed.

The incident took place at McColls newsagents on Front Street, West Auckland shortly after 9pm on Thursday, November 21.

Durham Police say the male suspect entered the store and threatened two female members of staff with a small bladed weapon before removing a quantity of cigarettes and cash.

The suspect is described as being around 5ft 8in and was wearing a balaclava, dark coloured jacket and dark coloured bottoms.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward and anyone who was in the area between 8.45pm and 9.15pm who may have seen the suspect outside of the shop prior to the incident or afterwards.

They are also particularly keen for any drivers with dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information should call Bishop Auckland CID on 101 quoting reference number 435 of November 21.