A WOULD-BE thief wielding an iron bar terrified staff at a village convenience store during a bungled armed robbery.

The man - wearing a bala-=clava and black clothing - walked into the Spar shop on Main Road in Bolton-Le-Sands and threatened a sales assistant with an iron bar as he demanded money from the till at 9.35pm last Wednesday.

As he tried to leave the premises his path was blocked by a customer, causing the offender to panic and smash a shop window to make his escape.

DI Neil Esseen, from Morecambe police station, says: "We believe the raider escaped by running away, possibly to a waiting car.

"We would ask that anyone who saw a strange car or anything suspicious in the village to call us. This is a nasty attack and has left the shop staff in a distressed condition."

Lancaster City Cllr Keith Budden, of Bolton-Le-Sands, says: "This is just not something you expect to happen in a village like this. I feel very sorry for the member of staff concerned and hope the police are successful in catching those responsible."

The man is described as being white, five feet four inches to five-feet seven inches tall, slim and in his teens. He wore all black and a black knitted balaclava with two eyes and mouth holes. He used a crowbar which was left at the scene.

To help police with any information, call DC Adele Brookbanks or DC Glen Oldham on 01524-596941.