A knife-wielding robber fled empty handed after two brave shop cashiers refused to hand over cash.

The dramatic stand-off happened around 10.45pm when a man approached the tills at the Co-op store in Alton High Street on Monday and demanded the takings.

The shocked pair refused and the robber fled down the High Street toward Market Street.

The robber is described as white, in his 20s, 5ft 11ins tall and slim. He was wearing a dark grey hooded top with a white camouflage pattern and a large white 'P' logo on the back, dark tracksuit bottoms, and grey plimsoll-style trainers. He had a blue scarf covering his face.

Detective Constable Ewan Gardner said: "This was a brazen but desperate attempt by a young man who we need to trace. Although nothing was taken the two cashiers were left extremely shaken.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the man or his clothing to contact police as soon as possible."

A Southern Co-operative spokesman said: "Our first concern is for the safety of customers and colleagues. We are relieved that no-one was hurt."

She added: "All Southern Co-operative colleagues undergo conflict resolution training and there are support measures in place for them when incidents like this occur."

Anyone with any information should contact Dc Gardner at Alton CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.