Moment knife-wielding thug is interrupted by man wanting to buy a drink as he tries to rob a corner shop

A knife-wielding thug was trying to rob a corner shop when he was interrupted by a man wanting to buy a drink.

Bizarre CCTV footage captured the moment a shopper casually nudged the balaclava wearing yob out of the way so he could pay for his item.

Police are still hunting for the thief following the frightening incident at the Shopping Basket convenience store in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on December 17.  

In the video the crook can be seen pacing around outside the shop with his hands in his pockets and a covering over his face before he enters the store at around 8.45am.

He then threatens a female shop assistant, demanding cash from the till, but she refuses.

The man threatens a female shop assistant, demanding cash from the till, but she refuses. A large knife can clearly be seen in the man’s hand, but he puts it down as soon as a customer enters the store

Bizarre footage captured the moment a shopper casually nudged the balaclava wearing yob out of the way at so he could pay for his item. This image shows the man entering the shop in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

In the video the crook can be seen pacing around outside the shop w ith his hands in his pockets and a covering over his face before he enters the store at around 8.45am

A large knife can clearly be seen in the man’s hand, but he puts it down as soon as a customer enters the shop.

The thief is then seen standing at the counter talking to the staff member before he steps aside to allow the shopper to get to the till to buy a can of fizzy pop.

After failing in his bid to get cash, the man puts his knife back in his pocket and steals a bottle of vodka instead.

The shop worker was shaken but uninjured.

Anyone who recognises the man in the black clothing with a white logo on the top and a grey mask should report it via Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s force website using reference 35/91050/24.