POLICE are hunting a man who robbed a Southampton convenience store.

The man had been queuing “to buy a lollipop like a normal customer” when he lunged across the counter at One Stop in North East Road and snatched a fistful of cash from the till.

According to one witness, the man then dashed towards the exit but four members of staff and a customer grabbed him before he could escape.

He reportedly lashed out hurling abuse at employees and yelling “let me out, let me out”.

Two other men are alleged to have come to the robber’s rescue, pulling him out the door before jumping into a car and escaping with the cash.

The witness who wishes remain unnamed said: “I was waiting in the queue. The man in front looked like a normal customer. He lunged across and grabbed money from the till then ran towards the door. Four members of staff and one customer tried to pull him back. One person was hit in the face in the struggle.

Two of the robber’s friends came to help him and they escaped in a car.”

A North East Road resident added: “I saw the robber try to break away. His was trying to get out the door but a couple of staff members were holding him back. He had two accomplices who pulled open the door so he could escape. They then ran off down the road. There were around four police cars in the area afterwards. I thought how dare you rob the shop. It’s just not on during this health crisis.”

A police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a robbery at the One Stop store on North East Road, shortly before 5pm yesterday (April 9).

“It was reported that a male entered the store and when he went to pay for an item he leaned over and grabbed money from the till.

“He made threats towards staff and fled the scene. Investigations into this incident are ongoing today, with officers carrying out various enquiries, including CCTV analysis.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting 4420126918.