Armed raider chased by customer

A robber armed with a hammer fled from a South Tyneside shop empty-handed after being chased by a customer.

The raider targeted Marine Stores, Marine Approach, South Shields, on Thursday, threatened a female shop assistant and demanded cash.

But Northumbria Police said he escaped empty-handed when a customer confronted him and chased him off the premises.

The robber was described as being in his 30s or early 40s and wore dark clothing.

The shop assistant was left shaken but unhurt by her ordeal and police have appealed for witnesses.