A man armed with a suspected imitation gun entered a shop on the Beersbridge Road, in east Belfast this morning (Friday) and demanded cash and cigarettes.
The incident happened shortly before 7.40am.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the report of the attempted robbery.
Detective Sergeant McCallum said the man is around 6ft in height, and he was wearing a green jacket, grey bottoms, a balaclava and he was carrying a black back pack.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw a man matching the description of the suspect, or anyone who knows anything about the incident to contact detectives in Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 210 26/4/19.
“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,” he added.