TWO masked men who tried to rob a garage attendant at knifepoint left the store when he warned he was trained in self-defence.

The attempted robbery happened at a service station at Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs.

Police say one assailant walked around the back of the counter, pulled out a black-handled kitchen knife and told the victim he was being robbed. Meanwhile, his accomplice stood in front of the counter.

A police spokesman said: "The attendant confronted the man with the knife and told him not to be stupid as he was self-defence trained.

"The two men, who were both wearing black scarves over their faces, then left the store empty handed."

The raider man with the knife was aged between 16 and 19, about 5ft 10in tall, medium build, and wore a dark grey hoody with white stripes down the sleeves and dark jeans.

The other would-be robber was aged between 16 and 18, about 5ft 8in tall and wore a white hoody.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, that took place at about 6.20pm on Monday, January 9, or has any information, is asked to contact Det Con Katrina Whitehead at Thanet police headquarters at Margate on 01843 222151.