BUXTON — Two men allegedly threatened a supermarket employee with guns, locked him in a freezer and made off with what police are describing as a large amount of cash.

The robbery took place at about 2 a.m. Tuesday at the Hannaford store in Buxton. Police Chief Michael Grovo this morning said the employee, who was working alone in the store, was able to free himself a short time after the robbery and called police.

The employee had been in the walk-in freezer for more than 15 minutes ”“ the exact time hasn’t been nailed down ”“ and was very cold, but otherwise uninjured, said Grovo.

He said police are actively pursuing a number of leads.

The armed men entered the store from the rear of the supermarket, located at the intersection of Route 202 and Portland Road.

Grovo said the pair were each armed with a black handgun, which they allegedly used to threaten the employee. He said the pair were able to access the supermarket safe and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“It was a large sum, in the thousands,” said Grovo.

The two men were wearing gray and green hooded sweatshirts, dark pants, gloves and ski masks.

Police found tracks leaving the property and believe the two men left the area by car.

The robbery remains under investigation, and Grovo said much work remains. He said Officer Jason Joiner has been assigned as primary investigator on the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Buxton Police at 929-6612.

— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.