AN armed man attempted to rob a bakery in Hawick during the early hours of this morning.

The man, believed to be in his mid-20s and armed with a knife, demanded food at the baker's in Howegate at around 3.30am.

After being refused, the knifeman fled towards the High Street.

Police are attempting to trace the man, who is described as white, 5ft 11ins, of medium build and wearing a blue Lacoste tracksuit and light blue gloves.

Inspector Kevin Harris said: "While no one within the bakery was injured, this was a frightening experience and we are pursuing various lines of local inquiry to identify the male responsible.

"If you were within the Howegate area during the early hours of Tuesday morning and saw anything suspicious, or if you have any information that can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please contact police immediately."

Anyone with information can contact Hawick Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 361 of the June 12.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.