A ROBBER stole a substantial amount of money following a raid on a cash delivery van in Hartlepool this morning (Monday, September 1).

The incident happened at Asda, Marina Way, Hartlepool at around 4.50am.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A cash-in-transit van was delivering money to the store when a security guard was threatened by an unknown man, who was wearing a balaclava. The man fled with a cash box from the van. No-one was injured during the incident.

"It is believed that the man may have left in a vehicle, and police are speaking to witnesses to identify those responsible and trace the car."

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward on the non-emergency number 101.