Police are appealing for information about an attempted robbery carried out at about 6.30pm on Monday, January 13, in Dolphin Drive, Houghton Regis, behind the Nisa Local store.
A woman, brandishing what looked like a silver handgun, threatened a 44-year-old female shopper who had left the store and was getting back into her car.
The would-be robber was plump, white, aged 35-40 and wore a dark jacket and white knitted hat.
She opened the car door, demanded money, checked the victim’s purse and then fled empty-handed, towards Maple Way.
Det Con Joanna Bosson said: “This was a terrifying attack on a woman who has been left extremely shaken.”
Call Det Con Bosson, in confidence, on 01582 394441, ring police non-emergency number 101, or text 07786 200011 .
Contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.