A MAN armed with a hammer threatened shop staff in Eastleigh before making away with cash from the till.

Officers were called to Megabet on Leigh Road, Eastleigh after a man entered the store holding a hammer and threatened the cashier before stealing cash from the till.

The robbery took place at around 5pm on Monday January 20 after the man arrived at the store on a pushbike.

A member of the public was in the shop at the time and tackled the offender before chasing him on foot.

Daily Echo:

But the offender managed to escape after dropping the hammer and leaving the pushbike at the scene.

Police are now appealing to residents for information to help identify the man.

In the released CCTV footage, it shows a man wearing a grey Lonsdale hooded top with black stripes on the arm, who officers want to talk to in connection to this incident.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers investigating a robbery in Eastleigh have released this image of a man they would like to speak to.

"We were called just after 5pm on Monday, 20 January to a report of a robbery at Megabet on Leigh Road.

"Do you know the man in the photo – you can’t see his face but you may recognise his distinctive top? Did you notice anything suspicious in the area that evening? Do you know anyone who has had some cash unexpectedly?"

Anyone who has any information that may help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting 44200024142, or alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.