A masked man made off empty handed after attempting to steal money and cigarettes from a shop in Carrickfergus.
The incident occurred at commercial premises on Bridewell Drive last night (Saturday, January 5) at around 7:20pm.
The man who was armed with a baseball bat entered the shop and demanded that a member of staff place money and cigarettes into a holdall.
Police say the assailant was challenged by customers who were in the shop at the time and were able to retrieve the holdall from him.
He then made off on foot empty handed.
The man is described as being aged in his 50s, of medium build and he was wearing a dark coloured balaclava and combat jacket.
Detective Sergeant Robinson is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 972 05/01/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.