WITNESSES and information are being sought by police as they hunt for two men who attempted to rob a store in Redditch on Tuesday, January 21.

One of the men walked into the Spar in Batchley Road at about 7.15am while the other stayed outside. An assistant called for help after he was threatened and told to hand cash over, at which point the offender fled along with his accomplice.

Both ran off on foot towards a brook at the back of the shop.

The till was knocked on to the floor during the incident but nothing was stolen.

Detectives from North Worcestershire CID launched an investigation and cordoned off the area around the store for forensic examination. Some witnesses have been spoken to and CCTV footage is also being studied

Both offenders were white and one was around 6ft tall with a beard and wearing sunglasses. He was dressed in jeans and a dark jacket. The other man was described as aged in his 40s, stocky and bald.

Detective Sergeant Justin Taylor said: “We understand that both these men went into the store shortly after it opened at 6am and bought some items. They have then returned to rob the shop and one of them stayed outside apparently keeping a lookout while the other went in. However they both ran off empty handed after the cashier alerted another member of staff.

“Although fortunately no-one was hurt this was a nasty incident and we are determined to find the men responsible. We would appeal to anyone who may have seen these individuals in that area on that morning to get in touch with us and likewise if someone thinks they know who they might be from the descriptions we have.”

Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Taylor at Redditch Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 71-S-210114. Details may also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.