The hoodie-wearing pair stormed into the Cowden’s newsagent shop in Lynedoch Street demanding cash in broad daylight yesterday.

But they more than met their match in the form of a brave female counter worker who is understood to have chased them off.

Detective Sergeant Gordon Smith, of Greenock CID, told the Telegraph: “The two males presented a bladed weapon but were unsuccessful in their attempt to obtain property and money.

“They ran off from the shop into Hope Street and in the direction of Antigua Street.” It is understood that both suspects discarded clothing they had been wearing at the time of their botched raid — which occurred at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Garments were spotted strewn on a nearby pavement after the two men hurriedly fled the scene on foot, pictured top right.

Police were quickly on the scene and cordoned off the shop while physical evidence and statements were gathered.

Detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward and are also poring over CCTV footage as part of an ongoing inquiry today.

One suspect is described as around 5ft 9ins tall and of thin build.

He was wearing a black hooded top, dark coloured jogging bottoms and was carrying a black holdall.

The other man is also said to be of thin build and around 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing a grey hooded tracksuit top with matching bottoms.

The pair are said to be in their late teens or early 20s and spoke with local accents.

DS Smith today remarked on the bravery of the woman shop worker.

He said: “It was a shocking incident for her but she showed great courage to see them off. She was brave, stood up to them and resisted them by remonstrating with them.” DS Smith added: “There were numerous pedestrians and motorists in the area at the time of the incident who would have seen something going on.

“I would urge them to contact the police immediately and not just assume that the information they have may not be useful or wanted. Every piece of information is vital to the inquiry.” If you can help police, call officers on the 101 number or do it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.