A would-be robber grabbed a shopkeeper in Cowley Road, Littlemore, Oxford, and tried to make her open the shop till.
At about 5.30pm yesterday, the shopkeeper was closing the newsagent’s when she saw a man trying to force open the till.
She tried to flee to the back of the shop, but he grabbed her and told her to open the till. He ran out of the shop after she screamed.
The man was described as 5ft 10in tall and was wearing a grey top with the hood up.
Dc Rob Barratt said: "I am especially keen to speak to a Japanese woman who came into the shop to see if the shopkeeper was okay.
"There was also a group of three teenagers around the time of the incident who may be able to assist our inquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Barratt on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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