POLICE have launched a manhunt after an alleged attempted knifepoint robbery in Southampton.

Officers have issued a CCTV image of a man accused of entering a shop before demanding to be taken to a safe and taking a knife out of a bag.

Nearby residents were shocked after the incident and admitted it had made them uncomfortable about returning to the shop.

Just after 7.40am on Tuesday a member of staff at the Co-op in Foundry Lane said they heard a knock at the fire exit door and opened it.

The alleged robber then demanded to be taken to the safe but the victim ran into the shop and the suspect left the shop empty-handed.

Detective Constable Robert Cross said: "I need to speak to anyone who has information about this incident.

"We have released a CCTV image of the suspect and although his face cannot be seen, someone may still recognise him from his clothes.

"Did you see a man wearing this clothing in the Foundry Lane or Shirley area around the time of the attempted robbery?

"Do you think you might know him? I am urging anyone with any information to come forward to us in confidence and tell us what they know."

The alleged offender is described as being white, five feet and 11 inches tall, of medium build, and spoke with a local accent.

He was carrying an orange Sainsbury's plastic bag and had a black-handed kitchen knife.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a dark blue hooded top with a zip down the centre with white neck cords, grey jogging bottoms, white lace-up trainers and a black face covering.

Jane Richards, who lives in Foundry Lane, said she had gone to get her morning paper as usual at 7.30 and everything seemed normal.

"It wasn't until I opened the door to let my grandchildren in later in the morning that I saw the police outside the shop," said the 74 year-old.

"I go in there every morning and have got to know the staff really well, so I hope the person who was confronted is ok.

"I must admit it did make me a little dubious going in this morning."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Cross at Southampton police station by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.