THIS is the moment two Southampton shopkeepers armed with a paintball gun and a baseball bat fought off three masked thugs who tried to rob their shop.

Rajinder and his son Beant Saghere, who own Aldermoor Convenience Store, can be seen springing into action when the three robbers barge through the door, jumping over the counter and demanding money.

Rajinder, 62, squares up to his attacker behind the counter while his 30-year-old son fights off the other two robbers who tried to steal cigarettes.

The three men entered the shop with crow bars and a yellow bag.

The dramatic footage also shows Mr Saghere and his son armed with a paintball gun and a baseball bat chasing off the thugs before the three get into a white Mercedes A-Class parked on Waltham Crescent.

Mr Saghere said: “I was just protecting my interests.

“I ran outside with my baseball bat and my son had his paintball gun and shot green paint balls at their car.

“Shopkeepers should arm themselves to protect their own businesses. I’m not saying people should have a gun in their stores, but other things to protect themselves such as a baseball bat.”

He is now calling for action to be taken.

“Something has to be done now. Enough is enough. Shop owners are not safe enough in Southampton. It’s time for shopkeepers to protect themselves.”

Don Thomas, councillor for Coxford ward, said: “I have already asked for more officers on the streets but the truth of the matter is that there isn’t enough of them to do it.

“Robberies are a police matter and really it should be dealt with by police although I am really sympathetic with the shopkeepers.

“Trying to protect themselves with other tools could be dangerous, they have to be careful. Anything can be turned against shopkeepers and that’s what I fear. I hope police will investigate the incident thoroughly and catch them.”

The incident happened on Saturday just after 8.30pm.

It comes after four premises were targeted in a similar way between February 16 and February 19 in Nursling, Totton, Hatch Warren and Stoney Cross where crow bars were used and CCTV hard drives stolen. Hampshire Police have not confirmed yet if the incidents are all linked.

But they are now urging witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “We want to hear from anyone who has seen the car used in this incident, now with distinct green paint splatters across it.

“Call 101 and quote 44180073644.”