DRAMATIC video stills have been released to the public illustrate the sequence of events when thugs beat a Southampton shop manager over the head with a metal basket in a brutal attack - all for some cigarettes.

Three youths targeted the Co-op convenience store and post office in Nursling Street, Rownhams, before escaping with packets of cigarettes.

The assault, captured on CCTV footage, shows the youths entering the store and viciously attacking the manager.

One youth was wielding a lump of wood while another wore a hockey-style full-face mask.

The youths, believed to be local, punched and kicked the manager before hitting him over the head with a metal shopping basket, causing injuries to his head and face.

Petrified, a female shop assistant is seen frozen to the spot near the service counter.

The youth in the mask then climbed onto the counter and stole a quantity of cigarettes, before they ran from the shop along Romsey Road in the direction of the Balmoral pub.

They then dipped into a pathway that leads to a housing estate in the direction of Ferryhurst Lake.

A stolen blue Ford Fiesta was found nearby with its engine running but no occupants.

Police are now appealing for help from Daily Echo readers to identify the youths who struck at 3pm on October 29.

They are described as white and said to be in their late teens.

Two are said to be over 6ft, with the other being slightly shorter.

One was wearing a black and silver horizontal striped shirt, and another wore a dark top with a skull design on it.

DC Andy Hawkins of Eastleigh CID said: "This was brutal and the police are treating it very seriously indeed.

"We take a very dim view of anyone who commits this kind of offence.

"We pride ourselves in the fact that we live in a relatively safe county and youths who go about committing this type of crime need to be brought to justice."

Co-op Group spokeswoman Claire Cook said: "As with any incident such as this, the Co-op is reviewing security measures at the store and would appeal to anyone with information to come forward."

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the three offenders fleeing the scene. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have information that will assist in identifying the offenders.