Two masked men armed with iron bars tried to rob a Derry off licence as staff were closing up for the night, police said today.
Police said the pair threatened staff at the premises on the Racecourse Road in Derry shortly before 11.45pm yesterday.
The men were wearing balaclavas and demanded money.
"However one of the staff members ran into a nearby bar and raised the alarm," a Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said.
"The thieves then ran off empty handed and it is believed they went in the direction of Carnhill."
Detectives are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.