This is the face of a suspected knifeman wanted by police in connection with an attempted jewellery snatch at a shop in Thornton Road, Bradford.

Detectives have released the image, captured by closed-circuit television cameras outside the shop, after they studied the footage and discovered it captured the man without his red scarf covering his face.

He had entered the shop, at the junction of Thornton Road and West Park Road, with the garment over his face. Armed with a knife, he went behind the counter and threatened the female shopkeeper.

He tried to prise gold bangles from the 68-year-old’s arm but fled when a customer entered the shop, leaving his victim with minor injuries.

Outside the shop he was confronted by a man who tried to detain him. The suspect's scarf slipped, exposing his face to the CCTV cameras, after a brief struggle with the man.

Detective Sergeant Robbie Allan, of Bradford South CID, who is leading the investigation into the attempted robbery, said: “He approached the shop on foot from the direction of West Park Road and after being disturbed inside the shop, he was challenged outside by a member of the public.

“It wasn’t a violent struggle, more of a two-second wrestle, and he ran off in the direction of Hoxton Street and into the backstreets of Girlington.”

Det Sgt Allan said the raid had left the shopkeeper very shook-up, but he was hopeful that the mugshot of the suspect would result in people coming forward with a positive identification.

He said: “The shopkeeper remains shocked and upset by the incident, and she is recovering from the minor injuries she received.

“We hope people will recognise the assailant from this image.

“Anyone who knows him should contact police urgently.”

The suspect is described as Asian, 5ft 6ins, of medium build. He was wearing a black jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with any information about the raid, which occurred on Friday between 9.40am and 9.50am, should contact Det Sgt Allan on 0845 60 60 606 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: ben.barnett@telegraphandargus.co.uk