POLICE are hunting two teenagers who attempted to steal cash from a convenience store by threatening the owner with an advertising sign.

Officers were called to MNS News on Jubits Lane in Sutton just after 10pm on Wednesday, August 13.

The youths, who had their face covered, had threatened a man behind the counter and demanded cash. But the shopkeeper threatened to press the panic button and they fled empty handed.

The offenders were boys aged around 16 years old. Both were wearing black jackets, black tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Detective Constable Roy Waller from St Helens CID said: "Luckily the shop-keeper was unhurt but he has been left distressed by what happened.

"The shop provides a vital service to the community in Sutton Manor which I know people really value and I would like to take this opportunity to reassure them that we won't tolerate businesses being targeted in this way.

"We believe there were a group of youths in the area, around the time of the incident, who may have witnessed what happened and we are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to trace and speak to them.

"If you saw what happened, or you know the people responsible for this incident, I would urge you to do the right thing and come forward as soon as possible."

Call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6811 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.