SHOP staff were threatened at gun point during a robbery in Darlington last night (Saturday January 18).

Two men carrying firearms held up the McColls newsagents on White Hart Crescent and made off with a quantity of cash, leaving staff extremely shaken.

Detective Sergeant Andy Crowe, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This sort of incident is very rare in the Darlington area, we get robberies but rarely anything on this scale.

“Nobody was hurt but those working were left very shaken by the events.

“We have a number of officers investigating and enquiries are on-going across the North-East.

“We want to make sure the public are safe and we are doing all that we can.

“We would urge anyone in the area at the time or who may have information about the incident to come forward.”

The robbery is not currently being connected to any other incidents, though officers will be researching all recent incidents in nearby areas for any possible links.

The suspects – both male - were wearing dark clothing which concealed their identities. One was around 5ft 8ins tall and the other around 6ft 3ins.

Anyone with information about the incident – which happened at around 10pm – should contact the police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.