A HAMPSHIRE convenience store has been cordoned off by police this morning amid reports of a cigarette raid.

Blue and white tape surrounds the Co-op on Bassett Green Road in Southampton while a number of police vehicles are stationed outside.

Neighbours called 999 at around 4.40am today after seeing four people fleeing from the scene with a large blue bag.

Police say the men forced open the metal shutters, smashed a window and then raided the shop and storage room for a “large quantity” of cigarettes.

The exact value of the haul is unknown, but it is thought the total could run in to thousands of pounds.

Eye-witnesses reported the men leaving in two cars, one a blue Vauxhall and the other a black vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call Western Area CID on 101.