1:37pm Wednesday 1st July 2009
By Dan Kerins
POLICE are hunting two would-be robbers who tried to hold up a Hampshire store with a double-barrel shotgun, this morning.
The attempted armed robbery happened in Mobile Exchange on on Portswood Broadway, Southampton.
Around 9.35am today, two men went into the store and one produced a firearm concealed in his clothing, which detectives believe was a sawn-off double barrelled shotgun.
Before making any threats or demands, both men turned and fled the shop, running down Portswood Road before turning onto Westridge Road.
Where the attempted robbery took place - Google Maps
Both men are described as white and aged between 25 and 30-years-old. The first has short grey hair and was wearing a blue top and black trousers, while the second has short black hair, was wearing black clothing and was carrying a brown briefcase type bag.
The shopkeeper was the only other person in the store at the time. No-one was injured.
Detectives and scenes of crime officers are currently examining the shop and officers are patrolling the local area.
Officers have now lifted the cordon around the shop, but are continuing to look for evidence in nearby drains.
Detective Inspector Roger Middle from Bitterne CID said: “Portswood was very busy at this time of day and there were a lot of people around who may have seen these two either acting suspiciously before entering the shop or running out of it.
“I’m asking anyone who knows these two or saw them before or after to contact us as soon as possible.
“I am sure with the public’s help we can piece together the movements of these two before and after the incident and arrest them as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DI Middle at Bitterne CID on 0845 045 45 45 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.
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