A WOULD-BE robber fled empty-handed after threatening a member of staff in a Middlesbrough newsagents.

The attempted robbery took place at AJ News, Crescent Road, at around 6.45pm on Sunday (February 16) when a lone man entered the shop and threatened a female member of staff.

The suspect is described as white, aged 25 to 30yrs, 6ft in height, of skinny build with very long black hair which is thought could have been a wig.

He was wearing a white woolen hat, sunglasses, a grey jacket, black trousers and brown slip on shoes. He was also carrying a black satchel bag which he was wearing over his shoulders.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or knows who is responsible is asked to contact DS Devine from Middlesbrough Integrated Crime Team on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.