AN investigation has been launched after an attempted armed robbery at a fish and chip shop in which a man wielding a meat clever demanded money.

The incident happened at the Trawler’s Catch, in High Street, Saxmundham, at around 5.45pm on Saturday.

A man in a balaclava entered the shop, which was busy with customers, and demanded to be given money.

However, he was told there was no cash on the premises and he left the shop empty handed. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Dominic Garrett has run the fish and chip shop for two years with his business partner Toby Clayton.

He said: “Toby was leading the shift on Saturday night.

“There were three other members of staff working at the time and a number of customers, including women and children.

“The man came in with what looked liked a meat cleaver and demanded money.

“Toby followed all our safety procedures correctly and offered some verbal resistance. The man didn’t become any more threatening and left.

“It must have been a scary and unpleasant experience for everyone.

“We have checked on the welfare of all our staff and have also spoken to our customers, although there are still a few we are trying to contact.

“Safety is something that we take extremely seriously and we hope this incident will not affect the loyalty of our customers.”

Mr Garrett added that all of their staff – who mostly range from between 17 and 20 years of age – have also been offered counselling. The offender is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build, wearing a blue hooded top and a black balaclava.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Police are making a number of enquiries to trace the male.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen someone who was similarly dressed in the area around this time, or anyone with information about the person responsible, to call Leiston CID on 01986 835300.”