A SOUTHAMPTON supermarket was evacuated after reports of a raid.

Residents who were shopping at Sainsbury's in Lordshill tonight said it was about 6.45pm when they were told to leave the store.

The Daily Echo understands that armed masked men were seen at the back of the store and staff members called for security.

The shop was closed for around one hour but has now reopened although the nearby petrol station remains closed.

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said: "We can confirm our Lords Hill store was evacuated earlier this evening following an incident. We are assisting police with their enquiries."