A ROBBER left empty-handed after an attempted raid on a Byfleet newsagents was thwarted by a member of staff.
The incident happened in Oyster Lane at around 1pm on Thursday.
A man entered the store and attempted to force open a till before being challenged by an employee.
Following his failure the man is believed to have got into a vehicle which left the area at speed.
Surrey Police attended the scene and carried out a thorough search of the surrounding area. Officers located a car matching the description of the vehicle used by the suspect abandoned nearby. The vehicle is currently being forensically examined.
Detective Constable Clare Nettleton said: "Fortunately the man's attempts to take money from the store were unsuccessful and no one was injured during the incident.
"The offence took place in the middle of the day just off a busy road in Byfleet so I am sure that passing motorists and pedestrians must have seen or heard this incident taking place.
"I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw where the occupants of the vehicle went immediately after the incident as that information could prove vital to this ongoing investigation.
"I can assure Byfleet residents that we are doing everything possible to track down those responsible.”
Anyone who witnessed the attempted robbery or with any information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference P13207508, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.