RAIDERS have made off with two cash machines after smashing through the entrance of a Rownhams service station.

The thieves broke through a glass panel of the station entrance during the early ours of yesterday morning and dragged the free standing money dispensers from the foyer of the RoadChef into the car park, before loading them into a getaway vehicle.

The eastbound side services at junction four of the M27 were closed until 1pm yesterday, as police examined the scene.

Meanwhile, motorists and travellers looking to use catering and toilet facilities were forced to walk through the motorway subway and use the westbound service station.

Clean up crews could also be seen sweeping up broken glass outside the main entrance, where scratch marks have been left on the ground as raiders had forced the cash machines along the concrete towards steps leading down to the car park. Investigating the incident, Romsey police believe anyone in the vicinity of the services would have easily heard the raid take place and are keen to hear from lorry drivers and other motorists who may have stopped for a break.

A RoadChef spokeswoman confirmed the service station was closed at the time of the raid and no employees were on the premises. Anyone with any information can contact Hampshire police on 0845 045 4545.