A would-be-robber escaped from a shop ended up empty handed after his hold up plan at gaming shop in St Paul's Bay late this morning went awry.

The hooded thief, brandishing what looked like a pistol, entered the shop and demanded cash, but the 23-year-old attendant from San Gwann refused to hand over any.

A struggle ensued and the attendant was injured when he was hit by what apparently was a toy pistol.

The thief ran out. The attendant was treated for minor injuries at Mater Dei Hospital. The police are investigating.