A SMASH-and-grab raid took place at a city petrol station yesterday.

A glass window was smashed and hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes were stolen in the raid, at Sainsbury's petrol kiosk in Lordshill.

Smoke was also pumped into the kiosk after the anti-burglary device was triggered.

Police say they are investigating the incident, which took place at around 3am this morning.

The garage has now been closed while forensic officers investigate the scene.

Manager John Dale said he had not had a chance to look at the CCTV footage of the incident yet, but confirmed that the petrol station would be closed until further notice.

A worker at the shopping precinct said the incident was “annoying.”

She said: “Why can’t they just go out and get a job, earn their money and buy things like everybody else. I’ll have to go somewhere else for petrol now”.

One crew from Redbridge Fire Station were called to the incident.

The crew were called to deal with smoke, pumped into the kiosk after the ‘smoke cloak’ burglar alarm was activated.

Police are investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called shortly after 2.30am today to reports of a burglary at the petrol station at Sainsburys in Lordshill.

"A window was smashed to gain entry and a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco was stolen.

"Investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this stage."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44180011343, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.