POLICE are hunting a masked robber who held up a Southampton convenience store at knifepoint in front of shocked parents and children.

The knifeman ordered the terrified young assistant to hand over cash from the till, saying: "If you don't give me the money, I'll stab you."

Today, detectives released CCTV footage in the hunt for the robber, who struck at Balfour newsagents in Tickleford Drive, Weston, on Friday evening.

At the time, several adults and children were inside the store - and a group of youngsters was outside.

DC Keith Bailey, of Bitterne CID, leading the inquiry, said: "This offence was committed in front of families when children were also present, and was clearly a shocking ordeal for the victim.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area and saw the robber either before or after the incident."

The raider, who was brandishing a knife with a blade of two to three inches long, escaped with £340 in takings.

Police said he had paid 55p for a packet of cigarette papers before demanding cash when the 18-year-old male assistant opened the till drawer.

Detectives believe the robber fled along Tickleford Drive in the direction of Newtown Road immediately after the raid, which happened around 7.10pm.

The knifeman was white and was wearing a grey-hooded top.

He had a black scarf obscuring his face.

Any information to Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.