A MANHUNT has been launched for two thieves who stole £15,000 from a bingo hall after locking up a cleaner.

Two men wearing motorcycle helmets broke into New Century Bingo hall in Shirley Road, Southampton using crowbars.

Once inside they locked the cleaner in a room and waited for other staff to arrive before stealing around £15,000 from the safe.

According to police, the thieves then made off with the cash riding a black moped or motorcycle Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses following robbery which happened at around 8am on Sunday, November 24.

The two suspects are described as being between 20 and 40-years-old, around 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall and both wearing high visibility yellow vests over their outer clothing.

Officers are appealing for witnesses with dashcam footage to come forward.

A police spokesperson said: “It was reported two men wearing motorcycle crash helmets broke into the New Century Bingo hall using a crowbar.

“They locked the cleaner in a room and waited for other staff to arrive before stealing approximately £15,000 from the safe.

“The men then rode away on a black moped or motorcycle.

“The incident happened at around 8am on Sunday 24 November.

“Were you in the area around this time on Sunday, November 24?

“Did you see two people wearing high visibility clothing riding a moped or motorcycle?

“If you witnessed anything unusual or have any CCTV or dashcam footage which may assist our investigation, please call 101 and quote 44190422425.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and leave information anonymously.”

The Daily Echo has contacted the owners of the bingo hall which is described as a family run independent bingo club.

The owners have declined to provide a comment.