A MASKED man burst into a supermarket and threatened staff with a “long bladed weapon” before making off with thousands of pounds.

The Budgens store was closed when the armed robber carried out the raid.

The break-in happened shortly before 9pm last Thursday at the shop in White City, Midhurst, and police say the man stole “several thousand pounds in cash”.

Police said the two members of staff who were threatened by the man were “unhurt but very shaken by the experience”.

Detective Constable Andrea Watts said: “If you were in Midhurst town centre on Thursday evening at around that time and saw any suspicious activity, or if you have any other information that could help our investigation, please contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1416 of 28/11.”

The force said people could also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The suspect has mid-to-dark black skin and was wearing a black scarf concealing his lower face.

He was about 5ft 11in tall, of stocky build and did not have a distinctive accent.

He wore a navy blue mid-thigh length jacket with the hood up which zipped up, and matching navy blue trousers – both were made of waterproof material .

He was carrying a black bag as well as the weapon.