A GANG of robbers snatched £14,000 of cash and cigarettes in a grab-and-run raid on a Southampton shop.

Staff, customers and neighbours of Co-Op in Foundry Lane were left in shock yesterday after it was targeted by a gang of five.

The group, who struck around 5.30am, raided the shop’s cigarette cabinet, grabbing approximately £10,000 worth of cigarettes before fleeing the store.

They also stole up to £4000 in cash from a safe.

Police cordoned off the shop yesterday morning while detectives and a forensic officer inspected the scene.

Dozens of customers were shocked to find the store shut throughout the morning.

One regular shopper, Pam Buck, who lives in nearby Nelson Road, said: “It’s very sad really, they are all really nice in there.

“I just think it’s wrong really, they shouldn’t be allowed to do this.”

The 54-year-old added: “I hope police catch all of them.”

Another customer Alex Pitman, 18, who lives in Foundry Lane, said: “It’s horrible.

“They don’t deserve this, no-one does, particularly when you are just doing your job and opening up the store.”

The raid comes just months after a robbery at the store.

In February, two men entered the shop and demanded money after threatening staff, by claiming they had a gun.

Staff handed over £100 to the men, who fled the scene.

In 2015, staff at the store were subjected to a knife point robbery.

The robber pulled a knife out of a bag and demanded to be taken to the safe his victim ran to safety and he was left empty handed.

Toni D-Abbraccio, who lives near to Co-Op, said the shop was often targeted by thieves.

He said: “There are always people going in there and shoplifting. It seems like it’s a bit of a target.”

Police say the raid is being linked to another incident which took place at a McColl's in Totton on May 10.

READ: Police cordon off McColl's in Water Lane, Totton, after raid

A a red/orange Ford EcoSport, was used by in both incidents, but has since been recovered by police.

Enquiries are on-going.