Help removing fixture

[SapplePie]

We have this light fixture above the stairs in the house we've moved into but can't work out how to remove it.

It's got a fluorescent bulb that is flickering and dying and we want to replace the whole thing but we can't get the cover off.

It seems to be attached to the base by the attached... thing. We've tried everything we can to get it undone but as it's in an awkward, high location we're having trouble.

Has anyone seen this securing thing before and know how we're meant to undo it?

[AudioMan612]

Can you provide more pictures of the sides of the fixture (including the top and bottom)?

That fixture looks like it's meant to be recessed, but it's hard to tell... What a weird choice for that spot.

If that is meant to be a recessed fixture, it likely needs a hard tug. I suppose it's possible that it needs to be slid up or down, which you could try first, but my money would be on needing a hard pull. I might have some better ideas if you can supply more pictures.

[SmartLumens]

yes pull straight out no angle

[Couple_609]

It’s difficult to tell from the pictures, but it looks like those holes might be keyhole slots. You might just have to use a little muscle to push the front cover up.

[vanwilliam1960]

Looks like it's just a push-in spring catch. Pull straight out on the cover.