A WOMAN driver was left petrified after a robber leapt into her Land Rover in the middle of a busy shopping area in Southampton.

The thief jumped into the passenger seat and shouted: "Drive, drive!" before putting the vehicle in gear as the woman left the Safeway car park off Portswood Road just before 2.30pm yesterday.

Police said the man began rifling through the victim's handbag, prompting her to offer him money if he got out of the car.

The robber jumped out at traffic lights and ran diagonally across Portswood Road after being given £200, disappearing down an alleyway next to the Mecca bingo hall.

Detectives said the woman, who is 40 and from Winchester, was left badly shaken by the incident, which lasted about a minute.

Today police were studying CCTV footage from the scene of the robbery which took place on the junction of Brookvale Road and Portswood Road near the Blockbuster video shop.

Det Sgt Chris Buse of Bitterne CID said: "We are not exactly sure what the motive was but it is obviously a worrying incident which has left the victim shocked and frightened.

"We are confident a number of people would have seen this offender running across the main road and would appeal for them to come forward."

Det Sgt Buse added: "I would offer a timely reminder to anyone driving on their own to keep doors locked and valuables and handbags out of sight."

The robber was described as white, slim, 5ft 9in to 6ft, with short dark grey-flecked hair, dark eyes and a pale complexion, wearing pale blue stone-washed jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with small red and blue checks.

Detectives also want to trace a grey-haired man of about 50 who gave the victim directions to Portswood police station.

Any information to Det Sgt Buse at Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.