DETECTIVES are appealing for information after an attempted robbery in Rhyl.

North Wales Police is calling for information from the public after the incident at West End News on Wellington Road.

At about 8.40am on Thursday, November 29 the suspect entered the premises and threatened the proprietor with an item bearing the appearance of a handgun. The shopkeeper did not hand over any cash or property and the suspect left on foot shortly afterwards onto Warren Road.

The offender is described as wearing a black face covering, which also covered the suspect's head and was approximately 5ft 5” tall and of slim build. The suspect was wearing blue trousers and a green and brown camouflage type jacket.

Detective inspector Jamie Roberts, of St Asaph CID, said: “Fortunately nobody was physically harmed during the incident. However, this was a terrifying ordeal for the proprietor. Due to the nature of the report officers from the Armed Alliance Policing Unit were deployed to the area as a precautionary measure and provide reassurance to the public.

“We need to identify this offender quickly and I would ask the local community to help by providing us with any relevant information they may have, no matter how small.  I would appeal for anybody that was in the area of Wellington Road/Warren Road at the time to think back if they saw any one or any vehicles acting suspiciously either on Wellington Road or on the surrounding area.

“I would also appeal for any drivers that may have been in the area with dash cams to make contact as they may have unknowingly captured something that could provide great value to the continuing investigation.

“Detectives are continuing to analyse CCTV footage seized from various locations within the town and speak to witnesses. While robberies of this type are rare, we would urge members of the public and businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

If you have any information related to the incident you should call 101 quoting reference W170018. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or contact the Control Room via the new live web chat on https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support.