A masked crossbow thug grabbed a worker during a terrifying armed raid to try and rob a pawn shop.
H&T Pawnbrokers, on Walton Vale, was targeted at around 4pm on July 23 when a man came into the store and asked to see a watch.
When he could show them any ID, he left the shop before returning minutes later and pulled a crossbow from a carrier bag.
He grabbed a member of staff and made threats to other workers, demanding cash before leaving empty handed and heading towards Orrell Park train station.
There, he picked up a bike and cycled away from the scene.
Police have issued CCTV images of a man they want to speak to over the attempted robbery and are hoping the public can help identify him.
In a statement, officers said : "We have issued CCTV images of a man we want to trace following an attempted robbery at shop in Walton.
"At around 3.40pm on Thursday 23rd July an unknown male entered H&T pawnbrokers, on Walton Vale.
"He waited in the store for five minutes and asked staff to see a watch. When he was unable to produce any identification he left the store.
"At around 4.05pm the same man returned and produced a crossbow from a carrier bag. He grabbed a member of staff and made threats and demanded cash.
"The member of staff was not injured but was left shaken by their ordeal."
Detective Constable Josh Banks said: “Thankfully in this instance nobody was injured but the man clearly had no regard for anyone else’s safety.
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“This would have been a busy time of day on a busy road and I am sure that someone must have seen something.
“I would ask anyone who witnessed anything, or who recognises the man or know of his whereabouts, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0151 777 1481 or DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000435469.
