Police hunt would-be fish and chips thief

Police are calling for help to identify a man who attempted to rob a Blenheim fish and chips shop last night.

The man entered the Main Street Fish n Chips at 60 Main Street brandishing a pistol, about 6pm last night and demanded cash from the till, Detective Constable Kris Payne of Picton Police said.

Mr Payne said the man then forced his way into the till area, where he unsuccessfully tried to remove cash.

After threatening staff, he left the shop on foot and headed east along Main Street and turned on to Dunbeath Street.

Police wanted to speak with anyone who might have seen the man in the area about this time.

He was described as being a pale-skinned Caucasian, aged between 18 and 25, with bushy eyebrows, a pimply face and dark hair.

He was wearing a light coloured hoodie and dark trousers.

- NZPA