A MODEST shopper has been hailed a hero for tackling a robber armed with a fake Uzi machine gun - forcing him to flee empty-handed.

The 55-year-old blocked a shop door as a masked man ran out of the One Stop community store at Redlands Lane, Fareham, with a bag of cash he had stolen at gunpoint.

The unnamed have-a-go hero, who has played down his role, struggled with the raider who pushed him out of his way and dropped his gun and the money before running away towards a play area.

Terrified staff had been forced to put cash in a bag held by the robber as he pointed what turned out later to be a fake machine pistol at them.

The raid at 9.15pm on Friday sparked a massive manhunt with the police spotter plane, armed police, dog handlers and uniformed search teams in the Redlands Lane and Gillies recreation area.

The shop's franchisee is planning to reward his regular customer with a box of whisky.

PC Martin Brown said: "The customer is a modest chap who doesn't think he has done anything special. He told me he isn't brave and isn't a hero.

"He said he acted on impulse as anyone would do and acted instinctively when he realised the offender was about to escape with his ill-gotten gains.

"He didn't realise at first the offender was armed, otherwise he might not have acted so fast.''

PC Brown said he would discourage anyone from risking their lives by tackling armed criminals.

Shop franchise holder Tim Lake said: "The customer is a regular of mine and I am very grateful for what he has done. It is good that people get involved in fighting crime. I will be recognising his bravery and will reward him perhaps with a crate of whisky or something similar to say thank you.''

The two women threatened were too shocked to talk about the raid.

The raider is described as white, 5ft 6in, medium build and wore a grey sweatshirt with a dark stripe on the chest, blue jeans and black balaclava. Witnesses should contact police on 0845 045 4545.