POLICE have arrested four men in connection with a series of Hampshire burglaries, including one on a home in Bishop's Waltham.

Officers raided eight addresses in Southampton this morning, arresting the men on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle after victims were tied up and threatened.

They are being questioned over three incidents in the area since August, described as "terrifying" by a force detective.

Thieves struck a house in Bishop's Waltham on September 3, stealing china and antiques.

On August 6 a retired couple were tied up and threatened by burglars who stole jewellery, watches and firearms from their home in West End, Southampton.

In the early hours of October 9 thieves tied up two women, aged 27 and 90, at a house in Hambledon, targeting antique jewellery.

Independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering £5,000 for information leading to the culprits' arrest and conviction.

Detective Superintendent Victoria Dennis, of the Hampshire Major Investigation team, said: “Each of these burglaries would have been very frightening for the victims involved.

“We have previously appealed for witnesses for these three burglaries separately but following extensive enquiries we are now treating them as linked.

“We are still appealing for witnesses and would urge anyone with information to contact us so that we can bring those responsible for these terrifying incidents to justice and recover stolen property.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Major Investigation team by calling 101 and quoting Operation Watch.