Takeaway staff speak out after terrifying gunpoint incident at Pizza House in Southampton

Three members of staff at the Pizza House takeaway confronted the armed man during the incident on Saturday afternoon.

The trio took action and managed to bundle the armed man out of the door before he fled and emergency services were called.

A major police manhunt involving a helicopter and armed officers was launched after the three men pushed him out of the business.

• Armed officers dispatched after man pulls out gun in city centre takeaway
• Helicopter with search light seen over Southampton

One staff member at the takeaway, in St Mary Street, told the Daily Echo: “A customer had ordered food and was standing outside.

“Suddenly a Mini-Cooper pulled up next to him and a guy jumped out and chased him into the shop. The one being chased jumped over the counter and into the back.

“Then [the one from the car] pulled out a gun, so me, my brother and my dad pushed him out of the shop and he drove away.”

A helicopter was seen circling over City Commerce Centre industrial park near Central Bridge at about 5pm and multiple police cars remained at the scene into Saturday evening in connection with the incident.

Police confirmed that a 42-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of firearms and driving offences.

The man remains in custody and a vehicle was seized.

• Driver who caused head-on collision was 'distracted by a bag of Frazzles'
• Cage fighter beaten with golf club after Facebook argument spiralled out of control

Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda, Deputy District Commander for Southampton, said: “I understand that this incident will be concerning to local residents.

“We do not believe there to be a wider threat to the community, with those involved believed to be known to each other.”

Labour councillor for the Bargate ward, John Noon, appealed for anyone with any information to contact Hampshire Police.

He said: “This is an extremely disturbing incident for the local community.

“I know the police are focusing on knife and gun crime in the city which I fully endorse.

“I would advise members of the public to get in touch with police if they have information about this sort of crime because part of resolving such crimes is the support of the local community.”

Anyone information is advised to call 101.