A man has been charged after an imitation gun was allegedly used in an off-licence robbery.

Police said a man – armed with an imitation firearm – entered Coleman’s Confectioners in Commercial Road between 10pm and 11pm on Halloween.

He is said to have threatened staff with the fake firearm as he attempted to steal cigarettes and cash.

Cigarettes were allegedly taken before a member of staff intervened, preventing the man from leaving the store with the cigarettes.

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No injuries were reported, according to the police.

Baheej Issa, 20, of Shakespeare Avenue, has now been charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm to commit a Schedule 1 offence.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Southampton Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday, November 5).