Christchurch Police have released security camera photographs from an attempted aggravated robbery at a Linwood dairy last night.
Detective Sergeant Joel Syme says Police want to hear from anyone with information about the incident, or who can help identify the offender.
He is described as a male Caucasian, aged in his mid-20s, approximately 182cm (6 ft) tall and of medium build.
He was reported to be wearing a black leather jacket with a hood, blue jeans, a black bandana with white markings, and sunglasses. He may have short or receding hair at the front.
Detective Sergeant Syme says the man entered the Woodham Road dairy at around 8.25pm last night and demanded money while threatening the two staff, a male an a female, with a knife.
"He was only in the store for about 30 seconds, and left in hurry, empty-handed," he says.
"No customers were in the store, and nobody was injured.
"The offender is believed to have left the area on foot, possibly through the grounds of Linwood North School."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Syme on (03) 3637649, Detective Fiona Roberts, ph (03) 3637650 or Christchurch police station on (03) 3637400.
Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS