Armed robber gets locked in convenience store until police arrive

An American man intending to rob a convenience store at gunpoint has had the tables turned upon him when the quick-thinking store clerk rushed out, locking the would-be thief inside.

The attempted robbery occurred on April 17 last year when John Bell entered a store in southwest Houston, walking around the counter to demand money.

The bizarre scenes were captured on CCTV, which has just been released by authorities as Bell plead guilty to the crime just before Christmas and was sentenced to five weeks in prison, local media report.

The employee refuses twice before quickly rushing herself, another employee and a customer pushing a stroller out of the store, locking the door behind her.

In the CCTV footage, Bell can be seen attempting to exit the store only to realise he’s locked inside with no obvious means of escape.

He quickly pulls out a gun and shoots the lock four times but is unable to break it.

He attempts to kick the door down, running at it in an attempt to smash his way through.

As it becomes clear he’s not going to escape reality sets in as he mutters “I’m going to jail”.

He sees some people outside the door and starts to beg them to let him out, even dropping to his knees and apologising.

“Please, please, please, I have nothing,” he can be heard saying.

“I’m sorry, please! Help!”

He finally gives up and with his hands in the air waits for police to arrive.

They bust in and arrest Bell.