Police are hunting two masked men who raided a Hampshire convenience store this morning.

Officers sealed off the Co-Op on Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood, after the thieves struck at around 7.25am, shortly after the shop opened.

The robbers helped themselves to an unknown quantity of cash from the tills, which were unmanned when they entered the store.

Police said that no weapons were seen or used in the raid.

Officers at the scene confirmed that no staff had been injured, but they were "shocked and shaken" by the incident.

The store is expected to be closed for most of the day while police carry out their enquiries.

 

 

One elderly resident of neighbouring Cloughs Road said: "I live round the corner so I didnt hear anything, but I've just walked round to get my paper and seen all this.

"They have had break ins here before - I think there was one last year at some point - so its not too much of a shock."

Mother of two Wendy Keith, 69, added: "I came down here the other day and the glass in the door was smashed.

"There are a fair few youngsters that hang around here and they pull their trouser legs up and brag about having electric tags.

"The Co-Op have to have someone stood on the door at lunch times because school kids go in there with their bags and nick stuff.

"It's a shame, but it happens everywhere."

One man, who was walking past the Co-Op with his daughter, added: "This sort of thing is happening so often these days.

"It's sad really. I just hope the shop workers are all okay."

Another elderly woman added: "This isn't the first time something like this has happened and I'm sure it won't be the last.
 

"You live in fear a little bit around here, especially at my age."