POLICE investigating an attempted armed-robbery at a Worcester newsagent have appealed for witnesses to the incident.

At about 2.20pm on Sunday a man walked into Johnsons Newsagents, in Ombersley Road, holding a carrier bag and ''pointing something under his jacket'' as he demanded money.

The lone male member of staff refused to hand over cash and, after a short time, the would-be robber left.

"At this stage of our enquiries, we do not know if a firearm was used or not. Until that is clarified, we are investigating the incident as an armed robbery," said a police spokesman.

Police are particularly keen to hear from a male customer who entered the shop, shortly before, or during, the incident.

They believe he could have crucial information and would like him to contact them.

The would-be robber is thought to have walked along Perdiswell Street and Droitwich Road immediately after leaving the shop.

He is white, about 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, clean-shaven, with long, dark, greasy hair and was wearing a fawn waist-length jacket.

Anyone who saw the incident - or believes they recognises the description -- can also contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 329S/300105.