Police in Lowestoft have released these CCTV images of a suspected armed robber who wielded a small knife as he tried to take a till.

The suspect walked into the store in Oxford Road about 6.20pm on Friday and asked the female shop assistant for change.

When she refused he then demanded money, produced a small knife and attempted to open the till.

The man ran from the shop empty-handed when the shop assistant sounded a personal safety alarm and called for help.'

The police spokesman added that 'the shop assistant wasn't injured' in the attempted robbery.

The man police are keen to trace is white, aged in his late 30s, early 40s, about 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in and of a stocky build.

He spoke with a local accent and wore a beige coloured fleece, a dark beanie hat and a red and black scarf, which was partially covering his face.

• Anyone who was in the area and saw this man, or recognises him from the CCTV images should call Det Con Alan Barnes at Lowestoft CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.