DETECTIVES were today stepping up their hunt for the Bonnie and Clyde-style robbers who held a cashier at knifepoint before making off with cash from a Bishopstoke convenience store.

Officers are now studying CCTV footage in a bid to identify the couple who carried out the terrifying armed raid at the Co-op Welcome store in Fair Oak Road.

One of the robbers demanded that the cashier open the till. The man then produced a large carving knife, which he held against the head of one of the staff and once more demand that the till be opened.

The robber quickly snatched a wad of notes and some loose change and escaped with his accomplice, who was minding the door.

Police have also issued fuller descriptions of the wanted couple, who struck just before 10pm on Monday when the store was empty.

The white man was aged in his mid-20s. He was 5ft 10in to 5ft 11in, of medium build with dark eyebrows and a local accent. He was wearing a royal blue hooded top and a yellow peaked baseball cap.

His accomplice was a white woman who was about 5ft 2in and slim. She was wearing a baggy red hooded top and beige Burberry baseball cap. Both were wearing gloves. It is not yet known if a vehicle was involved or whether the robbers were on foot, but detectives believe that the duo may have loitered outside the store until it was empty before striking.

A police spokesman said: "It is also possible that a number of customers may have seen them prior to the raid as they entered or left the store."

Detectives are hoping the CCTV footage recorded at the store will help their inquiries but are appealing for anyone who might have information that could lead to the robbers identity to contact them immediately.

They should ring Eastleigh CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.