An armed man robbed a petrol station last night using a catapult - and took only a bar of chocolate on his way out.

The Shell petrol station on the A31 near Ringwood was the subject of the robbery, as a man 'in his 20s' entered the shop armed with a catapult before leaving with the confectionary.

A man who works at the station confirmed the crime, with staff currently waiting for forensic officers.

He said: "A man came in straight to the till with a catapult. He was maybe in his 20s.

"All he took is chocolate and when we spoke to police they classed it as armed robbery."

When asked if they knew what confectionary had been taken, another member of staff said they were still trying to establish the details.

The station is currently closed with staff not knowing when it is likely to reopen.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 9.51pm on 8 November to the Forest Edge filling station at Picket Post.

"A number of men took chocolate and drinks without paying.

"If anyone has any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting 44170436009."