POLICE are hunting bungling raiders who smashed through the entrance of a Hampshire science park in a bid to steal a cash machine.

The would-be thieves reversed through the main glass double doors of the University of Southampton Science Park, In Chilworth, in a Land Rover, having removed a bollard from the front of it.

They then got out a large towing strap and put it around the cash machine in the main entrance in an attempt to rip it out of the building.

However, their bid failed when part of the vehicle's tow bar snapped off, smashing into another window.

The gang then fled in a white van, abandoning the Land Rover, when a security guard on duty at the Venture Road site disturbed them.

Although their attempt to steal the small cash machine was unsuccessful, they caused £12,000 worth of damage to the front entrance, with several panes of glass shattered.

Scenes of crime officers spent the morning at the scene, which was covered in broken glass, gathering evidence, causing quite a stir among staff who have been left to use an alternative side entrance while repairs take place.

The doors were quickly boarded up and staff were busy cleaning the area and making it safe throughout the day.

The building is set within a secluded part of the science park and the cash machine is the only one on the sire.

Peter Birkett, chief executive of the university science park, said: "I can confirm that between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday there was an attempted robbery at the University of Southampton Science Park’s Innovation Centre when thieves attempted to steal a cash machine.

"Nothing was taken and nobody was hurt in the incident.

"The Science Park’s security team alerted Hampshire Police who are now investigating the matter with the Science Park’s full cooperation.

"The site has been secured and additional security measures have been put in place and business carries on as usual.”

Anyone with information about the theft should contact PC Philip Dennett, at Hedge End police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Scores of crime officers have been at the scene all morning as their investigation gets underway.