POLICE are hunting for a man after an 'armed' robbery in Southampton.

A robber carrying 'a gun' is said to have threatened an employee at a branch of Lloyds Pharmacy .

The robber targeted the chemist on Wessex Road, in Townhill Farm District Centre.

They are continuing to search for the man, who fled the scene.

One witness, Karen Holloway, a senior stylist at nearby Eclipse Hairdressing said: “I was seeing my first lady at about 9 o'clock. I said 'oh my gosh' - I wasn't expecting there to be that many police cars. I turned round and saw the police get out of their car with these big guns.

"It’s quite scary when it’s right on your doorstep."

Armed police were later spotted outside a city home - close to the scene of the robbery.

Officers were seen in Atlantic Park View yesterday - a short distance from the Lloyds Pharmacy.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the police were there as part of their 'ongoing enquiries' into the robbery.

On the robbery, the spokesperson added: "The incident was reported to us at 8.53am this morning.

"Officers are in the area working to locate the man."

Following the robbery, a sign on the front door of the pharmacy said it would be closed until 'further notice'.

However, a spokesperson for Lloyds Pharmacy said it opened later yesterday.

The spokesperson said: "We can confirm that there was a robbery on September 12 from our store in Townhill, Southampton.

"A customer as well as two of our colleagues were present at the time and although no one was hurt, they were understandably shaken.

"The pharmacist alerted the police by pressing a panic alarm.

"We have shared our CCTV footage with the police and we are providing support to the people who have been impacted.

"The store has now reopened and we apologise to any customers who weren’t able to use the pharmacy this morning as a result of the incident."

A Hampshire police spokesperson yesterday afternoon said: "We’re continuing our searches in the West End area following a robbery.

"A man had entered Lloyds Pharmacy on Wessex Road, West End and demanded staff handover medication. The staff handed over a quantity of medication and the man left the scene.

"It was reported that the man showed staff a weapon, which appeared to look like a gun.

"No one was injured.

"Officers are continuing their search and anyone with information should call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44180344829."