Man charged following attempted shop robbery

Police in Whanganui are appealing for witnesses following an attempted aggravated robbery on a clothing shop in the city.

The incident occurred around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday, 4 October) when a man entered Pete's Fashions in Glasgow Street, threatened a female shopkeeper with a knife and demanded cash from the till.

When the till wouldn't open he fled empty-handed. Within an hour of the incident Police located the alleged offender at an address in Keith Street and arrested him without incident.

The 17-year-old man will appear at Wanganui District this morning charged with assault with intent to rob and possession of an offensive weapon.

The female shopkeeper was shaken but not injured during the incident.

Police want to hear from anyone who was in the area who witnessed the incident or saw a Maori man enter or leave the shop.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.