A GANG of three threatened staff at a fast food establishment before making off with more than £2,000.

McDonald's, on Green Park Road, Millbrook, was forced to shut its doors yesterday morning as police investigated the robbery.

Police confirmed they were called at around 5am to reports that three men had entered the premises, threatened staff and demanded money.

The group then made off with thousands of pounds.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said that nobody was hurt during the incident and there had been no arrests made at the time of going to print.

The spokesperson added that officers would remain on the scene to carry out enquiries.

Employees at the store posted a note on the building to advise customers they had been forced to close its doors due to the incident.

The note read: "Due to an incident this morning - we are unable to open.

"We aim to be open ASAP.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience."

One resident from nearby flats said: "I saw police looking in the bushes. I assumed they were looking for a weapon or something.

"There were two cars and a van. It was about 8.20am this morning."

A member of staff said that some colleagues were distressed by the incident.

Millbrook ward councillor Steven Galton said he was "shocked" by the incident.

Speaking to the Echo he added: "I think any time we see crimes like this it's going to shock anybody.

"But we have got good police in the area so I'm sure they will be doing all they can to apprehend the people.

"I'm sure there is going to be a lot of CCTV round there. But it's shocking for anybody.

"The important thing is that nobody has been hurt. Money can be replaced but people can't."

The shop reopened at around 11am yesterday morning.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: "We can confirm an incident occurred at our Millbrook restaurant in Southampton early on Thursday morning.

"Police were alerted to the incident and visited the restaurant which was closed for a short time to allow the police to investigate.”