Co-op staff have been left shaken up after an armed robbery took place by a woman who "threatened them at knife point".

The woman entered the store and demanded staff hand over money from the tills, while threatening them with a knife.

Police were quick to the scene and arrested a 44-year-old woman from Southampton on suspicion of robbery.

The incident took place just before 9am today on Hinkler Road, Thornhill.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called just before 9am today to a report of a robbery at the Co-op store in Hinkler Road.

"A woman entered the store and demanded staff hand over money.

"Officers attended and arrested a 44-year-old woman from Southampton on suspicion of robbery. She remains in custody."

The shop remained closed until around 10.30am while customers waited outside.

One resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "They told us someone entered the shop with a knife, it's so scary.

"I'm a regular here and it's upsetting because the staff are such lovely people, but this isn't even a shock to the system.

"Every day people are getting robbed and mugged, it's so dangerous."

A Co-op spokesperson said: “Our colleagues were threatened at knifepoint and the offender escaped with a small amount of cash.

"Thankfully no one was injured but colleagues are shaken by the incident and are being supported.

"Police are investigating and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward and help.”