THIEVES escaped with an estimated £20,000 worth of stock in an audacious raid on a Hampshire supermarket.

The criminals stole thousands of pounds worth of electrical goods destined to be Christmas presents, leaving shelves bare.

Police hunting the raiders have released a CCTV image of the men they are searching for in connection with the theft at Asda in Totton.

It happened just as the store was stocking up for the Christmas rush.

Two thieves, believed to be young men, disguised in motor cycling gear stole the electrical equipment and goods, which would have been in high demand as the festive season approaches.

One source, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily Echo that the men smashed their way in through the front door stealing at least £20,000 worth of phones, computer games, gaming controllers, mobile phones, tablets and iPods, all of which were kept in locked cabinets and drawers.

The source added: "Two men smashed a store window and opened a locked automatic door using a crowbar and broke into the stores technology desk.

"The total loss is estimated at more than £20,000.

"What is worse is that colleagues were working in the store at the time on night shifts and is reported that staff failed to notice the break-in until the store opened in the morning even with staff walking past the desk and broken door."

The raid occurred between 3.30am and 4.10am on Tuesday and the technology desk, which is at the front of the store has been closed off with shelves further in the store that would usually stock Xbox and Playstation accessories left empty.

Signs have been placed on the empty shelves and the technology desk stating: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we have no video games and accessories available at present. However we will still have Call of Duty."

Police are now looking through CCTV footage gathered from the supermarket and stores near the Asda, in Maynard Road, in the hunt for the offenders who made their escape on a stolen white motorcycle.

The thieves are thought to have broken into the store, taken some of the stolen items and then returned to take even more goods.

One offender was wearing a silver motorcycle helmet while the other wore a dark helmet and both are said to be 5ft 6in.

Police Constable Luke Callum said: "I am appealing to anyone who recognises these people in the CCTV image.

"Do you recognise their clothing or helmets?

"Have you noticed anyone in Totton area attempting to sell computer games or electronic equipment recently? Call 101 and quote 44150382002."

Asda said staff were helping the police with their inquires but declined to comment further.