DETECTIVES are hunting for a robber who attempted to hold up a Wyre service station by threatening staff with a liquid-filled syringe.

The offender approached staff at the Copse Road Service Station, Fleetwood, brandishing the loaded hypodermic needle at around 8am on Monday, October 11.

After demanding cash from the shop till he escaped empty-handed when a shop assistant activated an emergency alarm from behind the counter.

He then made off across nearby tram-tracks towards Radcliffe Road in the port before disappearing into an alleyway behind some terraced houses.

Police are now appealing for people within the close-knit Fleetwood community to come forward with information about the offender.

Detective Constable Carl Pritchard, of Fleetwood CID said: "We are positive someone somewhere knows who this individual is.

He was wearing a cream hooded sweatshirt which he wore pulled up to conceal his face and with a dark woollen hat underneath.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111 or Fleetwood CID on 01253 876611.

"It's likely he's been heard bragging about the attempted robbery to family and friends and we strongly urge these people to come forward with information as soon as possible. "He was also seen by a number of people hanging around the busy garage shop shortly before the incident took place.

"Any motorists or pedestrians who remember seeing a person lurking in the area on Monday morning are asked to get in contact with us immediately."

The offender - who spoke with a local accent - is described as a white male, aged in his late teens to early 20s, around 6ft tall and of medium build.