CUSTOMERS in a clothing store in Andover were locked inside after a child was reported missing.

The incident happened in the Next store in Enham Arch Retail Park at around 1pm on Monday, October 9.

After realising the child was missing, the store was closed with customers still inside, as staff tried to locate the child. Police were called and the child was found shortly afterwards.

One shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "They shut the doors with customers in to find the child and called the police. When the police got there they let the customers out."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 1.09pm to the shop after a child went missing but they were found five minutes after we were called."

The Advertiser has contacted Next for comment but has yet to receive a reply.