A MANHUNT has been launched after thousands of pounds were stolen from a Hampshire petrol station.

Police were called to the Shell garage on Redbridge Road at just after 2.45am yesterday.

It was reported that a staff member at the garage was assaulted and a group of four or five masked men had fled the scene after having stolen the tills and a safe containing several thousand pounds.

The men left the petrol station in a blue hatchback.

Yesterday the garage was sealed off and police stayed at the scene to gather evidence.

When the Daily Echo attended early in the morning, the garage was already closed and a police officer was inside the Spar shop with members of staff.

Millbrook councillor David Furnell said: “I hope the person who has been assaulted is well and recovers soon and that the culprits will be caught by police.”

The person assaulted has not sustained any lasting injuries.

The garage re-opened yesterday evening.

The station is run by Euro Garages, who were unavailable to make a comment.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and invite anyone with information to call 101 and quote 44170085271.