RAIDERS targeted a Hampshire service station and made off with about £60,000 after ripping open a cash machine, say police.

Police sealed off the Texaco garage at Southampton Road, Eastleigh, after the thieves struck in the early hours of yesterday.

They drove a white Ford Transit van onto the forecourt and attached it to the ATM using thick red straps.

The vehicle then shot forward, ripping open the machine and enabling the three-man gang to escape with the cash.

Daily Echo: An image taken during an ATM raid at the Texaco garage in Southampton Road, EastleighAn image taken during an ATM raid at the Texaco garage in Southampton Road, Eastleigh

They took less than three minutes to carry out the raid.

The gang is reported to have grabbed two containers full of £10 and £20 notes before speeding off in the direction of Southampton Airport.

A police spokesperson said: "We are investigating after a large quantity of cash was stolen from a cash machine at Eastleigh Service Station on Southampton Road.

"In the early hours of Saturday, a vehicle was used to force open the cash machine and approximately £60,000 was stolen. Enquiries remain ongoing."

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