HORRIFIED staff who found themselves staring down the barrel of a gun in a Hampshire fast food restaurant have received counselling following their ordeal.

Today the hunt was continuing for the small handgun and the masked robber who brought terror to McDonald's restaurant in Tollbar Way, Hedge End, early yesterday.

The drama unfolded shortly after 5.30am as two members of staff, a man and woman,

prepared to open for the day.

The raider, wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet, stormed in and forced a member of staff into a back room to join a fellow worker.

Brandishing a small handgun, he ordered them to open the safe and lie on the floor.

After grabbing a haul of coins he made his escape.

Police are not revealing how much money was taken.

Detectives say the incident was over in about ten minutes and no personal threats were made.

But the female worker was later treated by Hampshire Ambulance for shock.

Det Sgt Paul Gelman, of Hedge End CID, said: "The staff were clearly distressed about what happened. They were very frightened. You can imagine that the thought of somebody approaching them with a handgun is quite dreadful.

"McDonald's is supporting them and providing them with any assistance that they may require to overcome this ordeal.

"McDonald's is a place where you bring children. We would like to reassure the public that an armed robbery is extremely unusual."

A huge police operation swung into action immediately after the alarm was raised.

Armed officers and tracker dogs were deployed to the scene and the area immediately around the restaurant was sealed off.

A fingertip search of the car park was made, while scenes of crime officers dusted the main entrance for fingerprints.

Waste bins and bushes were searched, and a patrol car slowed traffic in the adjoining dual carriageway while police searched the road surface in Tollbar Way for clues.

It was lunchtime before the restaurant was able to re-open for business.

The robber was described as white, 5ft 8in and wearing a

yellow fluorescent jacket, a full face dark motorcycle helmet and dark clothing.

Appealing for witnesses, detectives said: "We urgently need to hear from anyone who saw this man on foot or in a vehicle, as it is important that we catch him before he strikes again."

No shots were fired and, at this stage, police do not know whether the weapon was a replica, a toy or real gun.

Following the robbery, a McDonald's spokesman said: "We were extremely shocked to hear of this morning's incident, but are pleased to report that none of our staff was injured.

"They are currently being offered counselling and support following their experience. We continue to liaise with the police to assist them with their inquiries."

Anyone with any information should call Hedge End CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.