A ROBBER threatened a Newport shop assistant with a hammer in a "shocking" raid - before making off with tobacco worth just £10.

A man posing as a customer walked out of Christchurch Road newsagent and post office without paying on Saturday morning.

But when brave assistant Luke Kennedy ran outside and challenged the robber on the street, he menacingly pulled the weapon from beneath a blue tracksuit top, saying: "I don't think you want to do that."

Mr Kennedy, 21, hurried back inside and called the police as his assailant casually left the scene on foot, accompanied by a woman in her 20s.

Mr Kennedy's parents, Helen and Sean, run the post office, which the community is fighting to save after it was named as one of more than 20 across Gwent earmarked for closure.

Luke Kennedy said: "I was shocked at first, but that was replaced by anger.

"You provide a service to people and you don't expect that. I hope the police catch him."

The shop had only been open for five minutes when the robber, described as white, in his 30s, and wearing a green beany hat, entered at 7.35am and asked for a packet of cigarettes and a pouch of tobacco.

Mr Kennedy put the items on the counter before the man asked for a bottle of whisky, which was stored in a rack behind the counter.

As his back was turned, the robber left the shop. Mr Kennedy was about to tackle him on the street outside before being threatened with the metal hammer, which had a 12-inch wooden handle.

Mr Kennedy and his father searched for the man on foot and later by car.

He was last seen walking along Christchurch Road towards the city centre with his female companion.

Mrs Kennedy, who was sorting the morning newspapers at the time, said she and her son were "quite shaken" by the incident.

Gwent Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.