A MAN armed with a knife threatened staff during an attempted robbery at a convenience store in Christchurch last night.

The incident happened at the Nisa store in Marlow Drive at 8.35pm on Monday night.

A man entered the store and approached a member of staff who was working at the till before he demanded money and produced a large silver knife.

The staff member resisted and picked up a wooden stool to defend himself before pressing the panic alarm and leaving the store with another staff member who was working in the shop at the time.

The members of staff then contacted police and the offender left the scene before heading along Marlow Drive in the direction of Hillside Drive.

There were no customers in store at the time and nobody was injured during the incident.

Nothing was taken from the store.

Police have released a CCTV image of the suspect following the incident.

The man police wish to trace is described as white, aged in his late 20s and of slim build with dark eyes.

He wore a jacket with the hood up and a scarf covering his mouth and nose. He also wore black tracksuit bottoms and transparent plastic gloves and was carrying a black rucksack.

Police say the man was believed to have a European accent.

Detective Constable Matt Loader, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are making extensive enquiries into this incident to identify the offender and I am releasing a CCTV image of the suspect in the hope that somebody might recognise him or the clothing he is wearing.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact police immediately.”

Staff at the Co-op store in Bransgore were threatened during a knifepoint robbery at 9pm on Monday night.

Dorset Police said they were aware of the incident but could not confirm at this point if they were linked.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 555180007601. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.