DETECTIVES are hunting for two armed raiders who targeted a New Milton newsagents at the weekend.

Shocked staff at McColls, situated on the corner of Beechwood Avenue and Marley Avenue, are recovering after being threatened by two masked men on Saturday morning.

Hampshire Constabulary says, for operational reasons, they will not clarify what weapons were used in the attack at this early stage of the investigation.

However, officers have confirmed the pair entered the shop between 9.40am and 9.50am brandishing weapons and that two shop assistants were threatened.

The robbers escaped with several hundreds of pounds in cash, including the coin collection part of the till.

Hampshire Constabulary Detective Constable Lee Murden said: "I am appealing for anyone with any information about this incident to come forward and speak to us.

"Were you in the area at the time? Did you see the offenders or any vehicles in the area, or around the wooded area near Ballard School?

"If you have any information, please get in touch as soon as possible."

The shop assistants were not physically harmed in the robbery, although they were left shocked by the incident.

One of the robbers is described by police as white, medium build, 5ft 10ins to 6ft, wearing a navy blue hooded top with 'Republic' written across the front in white letters, with dark trousers, a black face covering and gloves.

The other robber was slim build, 5ft 10ins to 6ft, wearing a dark waterproof jacket, blue jeans, a grey face covering and black gloves.

Residents told the Daily Echo that they had been shocked to hear of the armed raid.

One said: “The first we knew about it was when we saw the police outside and they started going door-to-door asking us if we’d seen anything.

“It’s worrying to have something like this happen here – it’s usually so quiet.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Murden, at Southampton police station by calling 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.