DETECTIVES investigating an alleged armed robbery at a Poole newsagents have made an arrest.

Staff were reportedly threatened at gunpoint during the raid, which took place at St Mary's News, St Mary's Road, on Tuesday morning.

It was reported two men wearing scarves around their faces entered the small store and threatened members of staff with a weapon, believed to be a handgun.

Investigators say it remains unknown if the handgun was real or a replica.

The men then reportedly took a quantity of cigarettes, cash and a phone before making off in a black Vauxhall Corsa or similar vehicle.

No-one was injured during the drama, which unfolded around 11.20am in broad daylight.

Dorset Police carried out an immediate search of the local area and a full investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Poole woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Detectives are still appealing for anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to police to come forward.

They are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have relevant dashcam footage

In the aftermath of the raid shocked store owner Jackie Riley told the Daily Echo: "They threatened my staff with a gun and said ‘give us the money’.

"I've owned the newsagent 20 odd years, and it is not the first time we’ve been robbed.

"I'm sick of things like this happening.

"We don’t keep a lot of cash in the tills fortunately. I’ve always said to the staff don’t ever put yourself in danger if there’s a robbery like this."

Yesterday, shop staff declined to comment to the Echo.

Detective Constable Tom Alsford, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was obviously a very distressing incident for the members of staff and public who were in the store at the time and we are determined to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180179441. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.