POLICE have issued an appeal after a cashpoint was blown up outside a supermarket.

Thieves targeted the machine outside the Waitrose in Chandler's Ford at about 12.55am on Saturday.

A quantity of cash was taken after explosives were used to blow open the machine outside the store in Oakmount Road.

Police say there were between two and four offenders, who were described as wearing dark hooded clothing and balaclavas, with one wearing a head torch.

They escaped in a dark coloured vehicle and taking cash from the machine.

Detective Constable Gary Allsopp, said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to come forward and speak to us.

"Were you in the area after leaving the Half Way Inn, which is right next to Waitrose, or were you passing through?

“I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard something connected to this incident.

"Did you notice any vehicles making off at speed around the time from the Waitrose car park? I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Allsopp at Southampton police station by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.