POLICE are today investigating a small explosion during a burglary at a Hampshire filling station.

Officers arrived at the Texaco garage in Amesbury Road, Weyhill, near Andover, to find that thieves had blown up a cashpoint machine and stolen the money inside.

Detectives are anxious to trace several people seen running across nearby fields towards the A303 and Red Post Lane before driving off at speed.

A police spokesnman said the explosion shook nearby homes and alarmed residents.

He added that the garage was closed this morning while detectives investigated the raid and advised motorists to avoid the area.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Andover CID on 101.