SHOP staff have been praised for their bravery in foiling a raid by masked knifemen.

Two robbers wielding 12in knives and wearing masks over their faces burst into Food Stop Delicatessen in a terrifying late night attack, as reported by the Daily Echo yesterday.

The pair stormed through the front door, jumped over the counter and headed towards the offices.

But they left empty-handed after the woman and three men who had been working startled them by shouting and activating the alarm.

Now managers at the store in Bitterne Road West, Southampton, have commended their actions.

Trainee manager Przemek Heluszka, 25, from Bitterne, said: “They didn’t manage to take anything because of the reaction of the staff. They shouted at the men and raised the alarm.

“Straight after the men escaped, the front door was shut and they checked the back door.

“They were shaken. It’s one of those situations you can never expect and you can’t prepare yourself.

“I didn’t expect such a thing to happen but neither did anyone working in the shop but I was really proud of the staff and how they reacted to the situation.”

Police are continuing to hunt for the two masked men who both wore white overalls, gloves and face masks during the incident at 10.30pm on Wednesday. One was described as being about 5ft 7in, while the other was 5ft 9in and stocky.

One was also believed to be wearing a black top which may have had an eagle motif across the chest.

Detective Constable Mark Bradley, from Western Investigation Team, said: “Fortunately the employees were not injured but the incident has left them quite shaken.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who might have been in the area at the time or who might have seen or heard anything. I am also keen to hear from anyone who might have found white decorator overalls in their garden.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Bradley on 101 quoting 44150110289 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.