POLICE are hunting three men who piled out of a car and set fire to an ATM causing a Southampton building to be evacuated.

According to officers the car pulled up at the Santander bank in Burgess Road.

After setting fire to the cash point the men jumped back into the car - an Audi or BMW - fleeing the scene in the direction of University Road.

Police report that the blaze caused extensive damage to the machine, however no money was stolen during the incident which took place at around 2.15am on Monday.

Crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge and Eastleigh Fire Stations tackled the fire at the scene near to Southampton University.

No one was reported as injured, however students living in accommodation above were forced to evacuated the building.

The Echo has asked police why the men started the fire but they refused to comment.

A police spokesperson said: “We are investigating after an ATM at the Santander bank in Burgess Road, Southampton was set alight around 2.15am today (January 20).

“A car, believed to be an Audi or BMW, pulled up outside the bank and three men got out of the vehicle.

“After the fire was started, the three men returned to the vehicle, leaving the scene in the direction of University Road.”

Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious is urged to call police on 101, quoting 44200023203. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.