A STAFF member at a convenience store was threatened with a hammer and tied up during a robbery in Basingstoke.

The incident took place on Sunday, 4 February at the McColl's store in Buckland Parade, Buckland Avenue, South Ham.

At around 9.20pm, an unknown man entered the store via the front door and threatened a 42-year-old male employee with a hammer.

Another man then entered the store via a rear door and together the two men used cable ties to restrain the employee. The thieves made off with £5,000 from the store.

The victim was left shaken but was not injured in the incident.

Police are appealing for information about the two men, the first is described as being: white with tanned skin, of stocky build, around 6ft to 6ft 2ins tall, with blue/grey-coloured eyes. He spoke with a north east accent. He was wearing a mid-length green hooded jacket, jogging bottoms, a thick, chunky knit black balaclava.

The second man is described as being around 5ft 6ins tall and of a slim build. He was wearing a tracksuit, which is believed to be blue.

Detective Constable Dion O’Shea said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and we’re keen to hear from anyone who has any information about what happened.

“Were you in the Buckland Parade area at the time? Did you see anyone matching the descriptions given, or anyone acting suspiciously? If so, please get in touch.”

If anyone has any information about this incident, they can contact the police on 101 with the reference number 44180046916.