POLICE in Stroud are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery at a shop in Union Street.
The incident happened at Iceland Foods in Union Street shortly before 1.30pm on Wednesday, January 10.
A man entered the shop, grabbed hold of a member of staff and threatened her with a hammer.
She activated an alarm and the offender left empty handed, turning left out of the shop and heading towards the Crescent Inn.
He is described as a white man aged 25 to 35 years old, 6ft tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a black coat with the hood up and a scarf over his face.
The man was carrying a distinctive black bag on his back which, it is believed, he hid the hammer in when he left the shop.
No one was physically injured during the incident.
Investigating officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it or saw the offender in the area.
They have issued CCTV images which, although not very clear, they hope will jog memories and help identify the offender.
Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk quoting incident 176 of 10/1.
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