Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman wielding what appeared to be a handgun attempted to hold up a shop in Redruth on Monday.

Officers are investigating the attempted robbery after the woman entered the Mount Ambrose Shop at around 2.15pm on March 7 and threatened a female member of staff, before leaving empty handed when challenged by that staff member.

Police said the suspect is described as woman around 5 feet 2 inches tall, medium build, wearing a grey hoodie and blue jeans, and was wearing a white mask with a nozzle on the front that covered the lower part of her face.

They are currently conducting numerous enquiries including an extensive CCTV trawl.

Detective Sergeant Rick Milburn of Camborne CID said: “At this time this appears to be an isolated incident but I would stress other local businesses should remain alert and ensure large sums of money are not retained on premises. I’d like to appeal to anyone who may have seen a dark Vauxhall Corsa hatchback in the local area recently to get in touch, plus anyone who was in the area during the time of the robbery.”

Anyone with any further information can contact police on 101 or 101@devonandcornall.pnn.police.uk quoting police log 476 for March 7. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.