Would-be robber thwarted by bad English

Christchurch police are looking for a man who abandoned a fish and chip shop robbery after becoming frustrated with the owner's poor English.

The man entered the Ferry Road shop about 10pm Friday and handed over a "threatening hand written note", Detective Aaron Paulsen said.

The woman behind the counter did not speak fluent English and did not understand the note, he said.

The man eventually fled empty-handed.

He was described as a 1.7m tall European of solid build, with short black hair and a round face.

He was in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing a dark cap, hoodie and pants with a pale blue collared shirt.

Mr Paulsen said police were also looking for a second man seen outside the shop during the attempted robbery.

- NZPA