Gunman threatens staff at Gateshead post office

A masked gunman threatened staff at a Gateshead post office but escaped empty-handed, police said.

The man targeted the post office in Weatherall Gardens just after 17:25 GMT, demanding cash and smashing a glass cabinet.

Northumbria Police said he ran off empty-handed towards Easedale Gardens. He was wearing a scarf over his face and grey jogging bottoms.

Officers were carrying out a search of the area.