Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery on Saturday morning left a shopkeeper badly shaken.

The suspect entered 'The Corner Shop' in Quarry Street, Coatbridge, at around 10.05am, making threats to staff and demanding money.

It is believed the man threatened staff with a weapon, although nobody was hurt during the robbery.

When shop assistants refused to hand over any cash, the assailant fled the shop, heading towards Agnew Avenue.

A female member of staff was attending the store at the time of the attempted robbery, and is said to have been left badly shaken by the incident.

The suspect is described as white male, 25 to 35-years-old with a mask covering half his face. He was wearing a blue hooded jacket with the hood up and carrying a bag.

Officers are in the process of collecting CCTV images for review and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

Detective Constable Scott McCracken said: “Our enquiries so far have revealed there were people around the shop at the time of the incident.

"Coatdyke train station is also very close to the shop and we believe there were several people waiting for trains.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have been at the station and who got on a train prior to police arrival to contact us, they may have vital information which could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information or knowledge of the suspect or the crime is asked to contact CID officers at Coatbridge Police Office on 101.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.