THIS is the man police want to trace after an attempted robbery in a Basingstoke shop.

It took place at 8.15pm last night at South View Stores, in Vyne Road, South View.

A man wearing a balaclava entered the shop and used a knife to threaten a male shop worker. The 28-year-old victim refused to hand over any money, and the robber fled the shop empty-handed.

No-one was hurt in the incident.

The would-be robber was last seen running through the Holy Ghost cemetery in Chapel Hill.

He was described as white, carrying a red shoulder bag, which he promptly discarded, and wore a grey jumper and black jeans.

Police have released a CCTV image of the man, taken from inside the shop.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Hawkins at Basingstoke police station on 101 quoting 44140252651.