A forecourt assistant was punched in an attempted robbery by a hooded cyclist at the Jet garage on Dunston Road in Gateshead this week.

The incident happened just after 7am on Wednesday, when a man entered the shop and demanded that the assistant hand over money. He then punched the employee before fleeing empty handed.

The site was cordoned off for several hours while police investigated. They are now appealing for information and have released details of the suspect.

He is believed to be over 6ft tall, of slim build and had a gaunt face. He was wearing a blue coat with his hood up and made off on a bike.