POLICE are hunting raiders who fled empty handed after failing to force open a vending machine at a Hampshire station.

The gang even smashed a CCTV camera in a bid to cover their tracks in the incident at Romsey Station which is managed by First Great Western.

It is believed crow bars or similar equipment was used in the attack which happened on New Year's night.

Large metal sections of the food and drinks machine on platform two were wrenched off and left scattered nearby.

There were also signs that the would-be thieves tried to burn a hole through the toughed glass door.

British Transport police cordoned to area around the machine off and forensic officers have been examining the scene for clues to who was behind the incident which left the machine badly damaged.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Officers were called to Romsey station on Friday January 2 after a member of station staff reported damage to a vending machine and a CCTV camera on platform two.

"Enquiries continue but if anyone was at the station on New Year's Day or early Friday January 2 and saw what happened they should contact us on 0800 405040, quoting reference 48 of January 2.

"Information can also be passed to officers by text on 61016 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”