AN INVESTIGATION is under way after an armed gang raided a Southampton supermarket.

Shoppers were evacuated from Sainsbury’s in the Lordshill District Centre on Monday after the group of four or five robbers entered the rear of the store armed with crowbars.

According to Hampshire police the gang “forced entry to cigarette cages and a quantity of cigarettes were subsequently stolen”.

A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s said: “We can confirm an incident took place at our Lordshill store and we’re supporting the police with their investigation.”

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: “Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 101.”