A CONVENIENCE store in Charminster has been sealed off by police after an alleged armed robbery.

Police said that, at 9.50pm on Sunday, officers were called to attend a report of a robbery at Bingham Stores on Alma Road in Bournemouth.

It is alleged that a man entered the store with a gun, made threats, demanded money and cigarettes.

Shop staff confronted the alleged offender and detained him on Alma Road after a short chase.

Police attended and arrested 50-year-old man of no fixed abode on suspicion of robbery. He is currently in police custody helping with enquiries.

The scene is being guarded by a police officer this morning.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bell, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed people running down the road at the time of this incident or the alleged robbery itself.

“I urge anyone with information to contact me in the strictest confidence.”

A neighbour said a member of staff was seen outside the shop talking to police officers after the incident.

Neighbours near Bingham Stores in Alma Road said they saw several police cars and an ambulance at the scene at around 10pm last night.

The shop is open until 11pm most nights but is believed to be open all night on Fridays and Saturdays.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 16:438. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.