A Co-op in Bransgore is shut and police on the scene after its front was smashed in this morning

Police are on the scene at the Co-operative food store in Ringwood Road, Bransgore, following the raid.

A stolen Land Rover Defender was driven into the front of the store and an attempt made to remove the cash machine inside by a group of men.

But they were unsuccessful and nothing was taken from the shop.

The men left the scene in a silver Honda Accord. This was later found abandoned in Brook.

Detectives are following lines of enquiry today and reviewing CCTV footage.

The main entrance has been smashed and glass and framing debris can be seen inside the shop.

It also appears that the cash machine inside the store has been broken into. Parts of internal machinery were seen hanging out and the shell of the device broken into pieces.

The Co-op is closed and cordoned off with police tape.

A notice outside the shop says: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by our closure. Be sure everything is being done to get the store back open for you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience."

Crime scene investigators are examining the area outside of the store, as well as inside.

One resident said police dogs attended the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning, as well as the police helicopter, which was heard circling the area for 'some time'. 

Co-operative staff are on the scene this morning, but have declined to comment further.

One woman said the manager had been on the scene since the early hours of the morning.

Shocked residents in the village said they were saddened to see the damage to the village shop.

George Baylis, from Bransgore Rotary Club said residents had heard the police helicopter in the early hours of the morning.

"It's just horrendous. The store looks like a bomb has hit it. This just isn't Bransgore at all.

"It's very upsetting for people to see this. But we're lucky to live in a place where this is so unusual."

Jens Lammering, owner of The Village Pet Shop said he undestood the raiders had targeted the cash machine, which is located next to the main entrance in the store.

"It's coming up to a weekend and was likely to be full", he told the Daily Echo.

He said the store had been targeted in numerous ways over the past year.

"This is obviously far more extreme than previously though", he said.

"There are no police around here. This is what happens when there is no policing.

"People around here really depend on these shops.

"And now it is those people - the community of Bransgore - who suffers."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or either vehicle should call 101 quoting 44150112691, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on  0800 555 111.