RCMP are investigating after an attempted robbery incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a shopping centre in downtown Maple Ridge.

On April 7 at approximately 5 p.m., Maple Ridge RCMP were advised of a robbery in progress at a local business inside a shopping centre in the 22700-block of Lougheed Highway.

Frontline officers immediately attended the area and learned that two masked male suspects had entered the shopping centre before attempting to rob the business. The males were interrupted by security before deploying bear spray and leaving the area. Police contained the scene before reviewing video surveillance and speaking with witnesses to identify possible suspects.

Emergency health services also attended the scene and provided aid to bystanders affected by the bear spray. No further injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing as officers continue taking a number of investigative steps, including liaising with other law enforcement partners.

Anyone with more information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, is asked to contact Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251 and quote file #2026-6573.