STAFF and customers were threatened by three hooded men during an armed raid at a Heaton pub.

The hooded offenders struck at The Victoria Inn — also known as Fanny's — in Markland Hill, at about 11.30pm last night.

Police said the men, who were armed with a knife, a hammer, and a baseball bat, waited in the back yard of the pub for a member of staff to empty the bins.

They then entered the pub and threatened staff and customers.

But the men, said to be hooded and wearing dark clothing, made off through the back door after being spooked, police said.

They left empty handed and no-one in the pub was hurt.

A police spokesman said enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 030416/2560.