Police are hunting a masked man who launched an attempt to rob a Hampshire garage at gunpoint.

Officers were called to the Shell petrol filling station in Southampton Road, Hythe, last night after receiving reports that a man was brandishing a weapon.

A police spokesman said: “The man had his face covered and entered the petrol station with what is believed to be a black handgun.

“No demands were made, no-one was hurt, and nothing was taken.

“The man ran off and a police search was undertaken in the area following the report.

“Investigations are continuing this morning and a visible policing presence is providing community reassurance in the area.”

This morning, a police car is parked on the garage forecourt. Staff declined to discuss the attempted armed robbery, however the business is trading normally.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Sergeant Keith McKay at Hythe Police station on 101.