A COURAGEOUS Hampshire service station assistant sent a hooded robber packing by fighting back with words.

Now, police are appealing for help from the public in a bid to track down the raider who took to his heels after being verbally challenged.

The raid happened at 5.45pm on Thursday when a white male, aged 18-25, burst into the Texaco garage forecourt shop in Southampton Road, Eastleigh.

The raider, whose face was obscured by a hood, demanded money from the member of staff on duty and threatened him, saying he had a knife and wasn't afraid to use it.

But the assistant came from behind the counter and verbally challenged his would-be attacker who took to his heels.

While running from the shop, the man - who spoke with a local accent and is described as 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in, with short black hair, three days' stubble and wearing a navy blue hooded top, jeans and scruffy trainers - collided with someone police believe was his accomplice.

It is thought that the second white man, who was wearing dark blue upper clothing, black trousers and white trainers, had been the raider's lookout.

They ran off together along Southampton Road before the raider turned into Cherbourg Road and the man believed to be his accomplice into Market Street.

The Texaco service station was not releasing further details of the raid or the courageous shop assistant.

But a spokeswoman said: "He did do very well and we are very proud of him."

Eastleigh-based police sergeant Andy Lupton said: "The advice is always, don't challenge anybody in any sort of violent situation.

"But when somebody does do it you have to acknowledge their bravery."

Police want to hear from any witnesses to the incident or anyone who knows the offenders.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545.