RESIDENTS have voiced their shock after armed officers and a police helicopter engaged in a high-speed chase following a raid at a Hampshire supermarket.

Those who live near Tesco in Pilgrims Close, Valley Park said they were not expecting to find the store cordoned off yesterday morning.

This comes after the shop was broken into at around 3.11am yesterday.

It is understood raiders targeted a cash machine, as well as forcing open the store's shutters and stealing tills.

Armed officers raced to the scene, along with police helicopter, NPAS Bournemouth, who engaged in a car chase.

The vehicle was then abandoned, sparking a chase on foot.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed three men, aged 25, 26 and 44, all from Southampton have been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Local residents said the area outside Tesco was cordoned off during the morning and a police van was parked in Pilgrims Close while investigations were carried out inside the store.

A resident who lives nearby but does not wish to be named said: "I went there at 7.45am to get the paper but it was taped off. The staff were there but they were stopping people from going in. I didn't hear anything overnight. I was shocked when I heard what happened. It's unusual around here. This is a lovely area."

A note at the front of the store yesterday said that the store was operating on self service tills only.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: "We can confirm our Valley Park Soton Express store is open and serving customers as normal following a break in overnight. We are assisting police with their enquiries."

But the company said it was unable to comment further and did not reveal how much money was stolen.

Cllr Andrew Beesley, borough councillor for Valley Park ward, said: "It's not the first Tesco or small store locally to be targeted in this way. We need to wait to see what police say to us. I'm sure the police will be in touch to lease with us. I'll consult with the other councillors and see what's the way forward. We'll try to have more patrols in the area but with police being cut it's not very surprising the crime is going up."

Hampshire Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting 44180231455.