POLICE are hunting a burglar who stole a car before careering off the road and smashing through a lamp post.

The red Citroen Saxo was taken from a property in Burlington Road, in the Polygon area of Southampton, after someone broke in and took the car keys from the kitchen.

The car was later found in Challenger Way, Dibden Purlieu, where it had been abandoned after mounting a kerb and crashing into the lamp post, almost completely removing it from the ground.

A man was seen running from the scene overnight on Friday. He was described as in his 20s and bald head, wearing a red polo shirt.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111