Police are appealing for information after a robbery at a petrol filling station in Sunderland.

At around midnight on Thursday, July 30, a man went into the BP petrol station in Pennywell and demanded staff hand over cash from the till.

A cashier handed over a small amount of cash before the offender fled on foot in the direction of the A19. The staff member was not injured in the incident but was left shaken and distressed.

The offender is described as white, of medium build and short, shaven blonde hair. He was wearing an Ali G mask, a red skull cap, a black bomber jacket, blue top and blue jeans.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191 quoting reference number 4 310715 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.