A KNIFE-wielding robber threatened staff at a convenience store before stealing a wad of cash in broad daylight.

Police rushed to the Co-op on Archers Road yesterday, after a hooded man entered the store, demanded money from the till and made off with £260 and some tobacco.

The store was closed off just before 1pm with police tape, while a sign was placed on the shop door, stating: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the store will remain closed for the time being.”

However, it was reopened to the public by 4pm, when parents were seen picking up their children from Bannister Primary School, situated opposite the store.

Several parents and nearby residents have since expressed their fears of the “shocking” incident.

One parent who picks her daughter up from the school said: “I am definitely worried. We come here every day and are regular customers, and my daughter’s friends come here too.”

A resident who lives nearby said: “It’s terrible and really shocking. I went there to get my lottery and a guard told me the store had been robbed.

“My first question was whether anyone was hurt, because I go in there every day and know everyone in there. It has made me change my mind about bringing my purse, from now on I will take loose change. When you live so nearby, it really is scary.”

Another resident said: “I’ve lived here for a year and it does worry me in the sense that there are people like that around here.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We were called at 12.47pm today (Wednesday 22 January) to a report of a robbery at the Co-op on Archers Road, Southampton.

“A man entered the store and threatened a member of staff with a knife and demanded money from the till. Approximately £260 and some tobacco was stolen.

“Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101, quoting 44200026551

“Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.”