Attempted Knife Point Robberies In Sunderland

25 August 2015, 09:53 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Staff have been threatened with a knife at a post office and bookmakers in Sunderland.

Police received a report of an attempted robbery at Hylton Post Office and Costcutters, on Railway Terrace just after 4 pm on Monday.

A man approached the counter, armed with a kitchen knife, and demanded cash from staff. He made off empty handed leaving staff shaken but unharmed.

The man left the store in a small blue car in the direction of Pennywell.

At 4.15pm, police received a further report of an attempted robbery at William Hill, on Hylton Road.

The offender again demanded money from the counter while holding a knife.

When refused cash he left the store. Staff were also left shaken but unharmed as a result of the incident.

The offender, believed to be responsible for both offences, is described as: a white man, approximately 5 feet 11" tall, aged 30-35 years, heavy build with dark hair and possibly unshaven.

Detective Inspector Dave English said:

"We're appealing for witnesses to come forward, anyone who was in the area when either incident occurred is asked to contact police.