Appeal following attempted robbery

The incident occurred at the Betfred shop at 7.30pm when a woman was approached by the suspect and asked to open the safe before demanding cash from the till.

She refused to hand over any cash and at that point, part of the suspect’s balaclava which was covering his mouth, fell away and he attempted to cover it with a plastic bag.

After making a final demand for cash the suspect left empty-handed.

He is described as a white male, late forties in age, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with fair hair and prominent blonde or ginger eyebrows.

He was clean shaven and was described as as having a ruddy complexion.

The balaclava was black or navy blue in colour and the man was thought to be wearing a dark coloured zip-up fleece with the collar turned up.

Any witnesses or anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Gemma Coulton at Wakefield CID via 101.