THE Daily Echo today publishes the dramatic moment a man with a hidden gun tried to hold up a Southampton store only to run off empty-handed when the alarm as raised.

The robber walked into The Money Shop in the city centre with a small black handgun concealed up his sleeve before brandishing the weapon at the cashier, passing her a string bag, and demanding cash.

The quick-thinking worker managed to flee from the Hanover Buildings front office and hit the security alarm, which frightened the raider into running away.

Detectives believe the man then fled on foot towards Above Bar Street in the direction of the Bargate.

Officers investigating the incident say they are now keen to speak to a customer who walked into the cheque-cashing shop as the attempted robbery was happening.

Unaware of what was unfolding, the customer walked to the back of the shop and began filling out a form while the robber was still brandishing his gun.

Officers would also like to speak to another customer who walked into the store just as the incident was ending.

Detectives from Shirley say they think both witnesses might have vital information that could lead to the would-be robber being convicted.

The robber is described as aged between 30 and 40, dark-skinned and of Asian appearance, average height and heavy build and whose left eye is disfigured.

DC Owain Davies said: "I would appeal to anyone who recognises the suspect from either the CCTV or the description to contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.