Staff threatened by masked knifeman in Irvine

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery at a shop on Paterson Avenue in Irvine.

Published 3rd Jan 2016

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery at a shop on Paterson Avenue in Irvine.

At around 1810 hours on Saturday 2 January 2016, a man wearing a balaclava entered Premier Stores, on Paterson Avenue, Irvine.

He then attempted to rob the store by presenting a knife and threatening staff.

Staff at the shop challenged the suspect and he made off empty handed on the direction of Neil Avenue.

Staff and customers were shaken but uninjured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a white man, around 6ft 4 inches tall, with a skinny build, aged approximately in his late teens or 20’s. He had a local accent and at the time of the incident was wearing dark clothing.

It is believed that a man and a woman within a dark coloured saloon car were travelling up Neil Avenue and into Paterson Avenue at the time in question.

Police would urge these individuals to come forward as they may have information that could lead to the identification of the suspect.

Detective Constable Jason Buxton, Ayrshire CID, said: “This was a very distressing experience for staff and customers and it is important that we trace the man responsible as soon as possible.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at that time and saw anything suspicious to contact police at Irvine via the non-emergency number 101.

"Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where anonymity will be maintained.”