A SOUTHAMPTON car showroom was forced to close yesterday after being targeted by thieves.

Officers were called to Doves Vauxhall, in The Avenue, yesterday morning after staff arrived at work to find the building had been broken into overnight.

Crime scene specialists spent the day at the showroom gathering evidence, but it seems the offenders forced their way into the premises, including the workshop, where thorough searches were made.

It is not yet clear what has been stolen, but police are working with staff to clarify what has been taken.

Customers hoping to collect cars from the showroom were informed yesterday that the break-in had forced management to close the site while police carried out their investigations.