POLICE in south Cumbria are investigating an attempted armed robbery where an offender pointed a "suspected gun" in a newsagents.

The incident happened at around 8.45pm yesterday at a newsagents in Church Street, Ambleside.

Police said a man pointed a suspected gun at a member of staff and ordered them to fill up a white plastic bag with money. The offender then made off from the store empty-handed when the staff member refused to comply with his demands.

The suspect made off in the direction of Rothay Road. He is described as being a man aged 20-30 years of age, of slim build and 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing what is believed to be a black scarf on the lower part of his face, a light blue waterproof jacket with the hood up, black trainers and blue jeans. It is believed that he did not speak with a local accent.

The staff member was uninjured in the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Duhig, of south Cumbria CID, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the staff member. Fortunately nobody was injured during this incident, however that does not dilute the seriousness of the offence committed.

“We ask for the public to help us trace this offender in order to bring him to justice. Incidents involving firearms are rare in Cumbria and a number of detectives are proactively making enquiries today in order to identify and arrest this man.

“If you were in the area of the store last night and noticed anything suspicious we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 and ask to speak to an officer from South Cumbria CID. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.