A MAN wearing a balaclava attempted to rob a Selby petrol station by threatening two women with a knife.

Officers cordoned off the area around Millgate Service station after the man, who was believed to be brandishing a kitchen knife, demanded money from the two female assistants.

When the women refused to hand over the cash, the man left the shop and headed up Millgate in the direction of Flaxley Road.

Sgt Jackie Booth said: “This was a shocking incident which happened in broad daylight. Thankfully neither of the two women who were working in the service station at the time was injured. However, the experience has naturally left them shaken.”

The incident happened at about 9am yesterday. Police said the suspect was white, between 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall with a slim to medium build.

At the time of the robbery he was wearing a black shiny jacket with the hood pulled up, a balaclava and grey jogging bottoms. He was also wearing dark trainers.

Police are appealing to anybody who may be able to identify the man to get in touch. Sgt Booth said: “The service station forecourt was busy at the time of the incident and it is hoped that people in the vicinity may have noticed a man acting suspiciously in the area at around the time of the attempted robbery.

“I urge anybody who can identify the offender or saw a man matching the description to contact Selby CID or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident should phone Selby CID on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110031127.