THOUSANDS of pounds have been stolen after a robbery at a convenience store.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after two men with their faces covered entered the McColl's store on Elmwood Parade, Basingstoke, threatened staff members and demanded for money.

The incident happened shortly after 10pm on Sunday, a few hours before a McColl's in Totton was cordoned off after after four men entered the store and threatened staff.

READ:McColl's in Totton sealed off by police 

Now Hampshire police are appealing for anyone with information about the robbery in Basingstoke to come forward.

The force said two men threatened staff members before stealing almost £3,000 in cash, which was placed in what has been described as a quilt cover.

The police said one of the men, who was carrying a hammer, was described as aged between 45-50 years, 5ft 7ins tall, and wearing red gloves, a dark blue sweatshirt and a black balaclava.

The second man, who was unarmed, was described as aged 20-30 years, 5ft 7ins tall, skinny, and wearing a blue hooded jacket and a black balaclava.

In a statement the force said: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw two men matching this description carrying a bulky item through Winklebury, in the areas between Elmwood Parade and Warwick Road, after 10.15pm.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44190049994, or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."