CONVENIENCE store Co-op has issued an apology to customers after two of its stores were targeted by ramraiders.

The thieves left a trail of destruction at the Co-op in Station Road, Netley Abbey. when they drove a car through the front of the store in the early hours of yesterday.

They then jumped out the car and grabbed hundreds of cigarettes before speeding off.

Raiders tried a similar stunt at the Coop in Spring Road, Sholing, which suffered damaged to its front doors.

It is unclear whether anything was taken.

Local resident, Jenny Wasteney, 70, retired, said: "At 4.20am, I heard an almighty crash and jumped out of bed.

"I heard a car alarm go off and we realised it was the Co-op so my husband and I went to phone the police but saw another young guy phone them first."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "The occupants of the vehicle then entered the store and took a quantity of cigarettes.

"They then left the scene in the vehicle.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44190210258."

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: "We can confirm that there were incidents at our stores on Spring Road, Sholing, and Station Road, Netley, during the early hours of Wednesday 19 June.

"Fortunately, no one was present during the incidents. The Netley store remains closed while we assess the damage and we apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.

The spokesperson added: "Co-op takes retail crime very seriously and implements a range of measures to both deter criminal activity and to aid convictions.

"We appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police - our stores on South East Road and Coronation Parade are open to serve the local community."