THIS is the masked gunman who threatened a shop worker at a Hampshire convenience store in a terrifying robbery.

Police rushed to the Co-op store on St Vigor Way, Colden Common after being alerted to reports of a man carrying a black gun making off with money from the store.

It was reported that two children were in the store at the time the robbery happened.

Officers taped off an area outside the store and the police helicopter was searching the area from above after the incident at around 1.34pm on Tuesday.

Staff at the store looked visibly upset following the incident, and did not want to talk to the Daily Echo.

A concerned woman said her two children were in the store and were “traumatised” by what had happened.

She posted on Facebook: “I’ve got 2 x 12 year olds traumatised! relieved someone managed to get them out and home.”

Colden Common Parish Council chairman, councillor Richard Izard, said: “Of course I am concerned.

“I understand that there were children in the Co-Op at the time and someone got them out.

“There were lots of police when I was up there and I am seeing one of the officers tomorrow.

“The co-operative has been broken into before but has not had an armed robbery. It must have been terrifying for the staff at the store.”

A resident who asked not to be named, said: “The store has upped the security. There is a lot going on in the area and there have been house break-ins on a regular basis.”

Another resident added that the Co-op has had a number of robberies in the past.

But some say they were not surprised that the store was robbed as it has been targeted many times before.

Now police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the robbery.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and quote reference '44170296044', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.