KEBAB van staff were threatened with an air rifle in a village near Winchester.

The weapon was pulled after an argument erupted at a fast food outlet near St Matthew’s Church, Otterbourne, on Friday (November 27) night.

A struggle then ensued between the two offenders and a 26-year-old staff member, which saw salad and sauce thrown around the van. The serving hatch was shut before the two suspects made off along Otterbourne Hill.

The men are described as white, 30-35 years old and around 5ft 10ins tall. One had short, fair coloured hair, which was thinning on top.

PC Mark Wardell, of Hampshire Police, said: “This is an extremely serious incident, where a member of the public has been threatened with an air rifle. He was understandably distressed by this incident.

“It appears that both the men involved were in drink and we are hoping someone may have information about them.

“We would like to hear from anyone who either witnessed this incident or has information about those responsible for it.

“Hampshire Constabulary is determined to stamp out the illegal carrying of air rifles and other weapons in public and we are very keen to track down these men to ensure they are prevented from doing so again.”

Anyone with information should contact Winchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. People from outside Hampshire should contact 0845 045 45 45.