A man armed with a knife threatened a female member of staff during an attempted armed robbery at a business in Newry today (Sunday).
The incident happened shortly before 8am on the Dublin Road.
The would-be robber approached the till and brandished the knife at a female member of staff.
But he fled the commercial premises empty-handed on foot towards the Chancellors Road area following the incident.
The female staff member was not injured, but left badly shaken, according to police.
Detective Sergeant Ritchie issued a description and appealed for help from the public to apprehend the culprit.
He said: “The man is described as wearing an orange coloured hooded jacket with black sleeves, navy tracksuit bottoms and dark coloured trainers.
“Enquiries are continuing and we are particularly keen to speak with a woman who was walking a large dog in the area at the time of the incident, who may be able to assist with our enquiries.
“Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the Dublin Road and the Chancellors Road area of Newry is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 386 17/01/21.
“A report can also be made online viahttp://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”