POLICE are hunting an armed robber who raided a Hampshire corner shop.

CCTV images have been released showing a masked man brandishing a weapon before threatening an employee and stealing cash and cigarettes.

The robbery occurred just before 9.50pm on Thursday May 12 in White Dirt Lane and Drift Road in Clanfield.

The object, which could be a gun or air weapon, was used to take nearly £200 in cash and £139 of cigarettes.

No one was hurt.

The suspect is described as:

• White.

• Between 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall.

• Slim build.

• He was wearing a cream beanie hat, a black balaclava covering his face, a black jumper, a high visibility vest with a 'Stay Safe' triangle logo on the lapel and back and the words 'Customer Sevice' also on the back, grey tracksuit bottoms and gloves, and black work boots.

• He was carrying a rectangular black 'hold all' bag.

The man drove off in a red three-door Nissan Micra, with a registration beginning with 'R', which had been parked behind Viscount Kitchens.

Investigating officer DC Hamish Walker said: "I am releasing these images in the hope that someone may recognise the distinctive high visibility vest the suspect was wearing.

"We haven't received any similar reports in the area and I'm not linking this incident to any other investigations. It's unclear whether the weapon seen was a real gun or an air weapon as it was not discharged during the robbery and thankfully no-one was injured.

"The Nissan Micra the suspect left in was a 1990s or early 2000s model and we have been reviewing CCTV to trace it's movements before and after this robbery.

"I'd urge anyone who recognises either the suspect or the car to contact us as soon as possible".

Anyone with information should contact DC Hamish Walker at Aldershot Police Station on 101 quoting 44160178918 or report online.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.