Tyne Tees Seaham

John Hare, from Seaham, convinced his girlfriend he worked for the secret service and had agents watching him so always had to have a handgun close by.

The thieves raided the Esso petrol station on Stockton Road, Seaham, and sprayed an unknown substance in the victim's face.

Megan James, 21, has been praised for her quick thinking and hopes her story inspires others to learn CPR.