A KNIFE-wielding robber burst through the back door of a Southampton arcade before escaping with £1,000 in an early-morning raid.

A man carrying the blade went into Quick Silver on Shirley High Street at 4.30am on Friday via the back door before threatening staff and demanding the cash.

He then made off with more than £1,000.

Police were quickly deployed to the scene and even pulled over a bus travelling down the road in a bid to locate the offender.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said: "A man carrying a knife had entered the store via the rear door and threatened staff and demanded money.

"Officers were deployed to the scene and carried out various enquiries in the local area trying to locate the offender. No one has been arrested at this time.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44180014274.