POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to about a shop robbery in Birtley

At about 6.40pm on Friday, January 18 a man entered the Lifestyle Express shop in New South Terrace and threatened a member of staff with what is believed to be a knife.

He demanded money and stole a quantity of cash from the till before leaving the shop in the direction of Portobello, where he may have got into a waiting car.

The member of staff was unharmed but left shaken. Enquiries into the robbery are ongoing and detectives are releasing images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Deborah Alderson said: "The 'Duck and Cover' hooded top the man in the images had on is quite distinctive and it has a hole in the right shoulder.

“I'd appeal for anyone who was in the area and who might have seen the man before the robbery took place, or anyone with any information as to who he is, to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with any information, or who recognises the man, is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191.