A hunt has been launched for a gang who targeted two Hampshire stores within hours.

Now police investigating two shop burglaries which happened within two hours of each other have released CCTV images.

Officers were called to break-ins at two stores in Colden Common and Hinton on the edge of the New Forest in the early hours of September 1.

Both are believed to have been targeted by the same group, who forced entry using a range of tools then fled the scene in a vehicle, possibly an Audi.

The first happened between 2am and 3am at the Co-op shop in Vigor Way, Colden Common and £4,200 worth of cigarettes were stolen.

The second happened between 3.30am and 4am, at the Hinton Admiral Service Station, Lyndhurst Road. More than £7,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen.

Police staff investigator Joanne Moger said: “We know that you cannot see the faces of those captured on the CCTV but there is some distinctive clothing which someone may recognise.

“One of those shown on camera is wearing a distinctive red baseball cap, green gloves and an Adidas hooded top and the other is wearing a shiny black jacket.

“Do you recognise any of the clothing shown? Have you been offered cheap cigarettes for sale recently?

“What may seem trivial to you could greatly assist our investigation, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PSI Moger on 101, quoting 44160328380, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.