STAFF at a Hampshire food store were left shaken after a man wearing a gas mask threatened them with a knife and stole cash from the till.

Police said the man walked into the Co-op store in San Diego Road, Gosport, between 9 am and 9.20am on Tuesday and demanded money.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Police say the man is described as slim to average build, about 6ft 2ins tall, wearing a gas mask, and black clothing with a hood up.

Detective Constable Julia Nicol said: “This would have no doubt been a terrifying incident which left the victim very shaken.

“We would like to hear from witnesses as soon as possible who may have seen this man in the area.

“We know he was playing with a bike outside the shop prior to the robbery. He was wearing very distinctive clothing, namely the war-type gas mask, so you may have noticed this.

“If you saw anything, please call us.”

Anybody with any information should call police on 101 quoting reference 44180039139.