A VAN slammed into a Southampton shop during a ram raid this morning.

A Silver Ford Transit "screeched" down Church Street just before 5am today.

Up to four people leapt out and broke into Church Street News & Food after the van rammed into the shop front.

The gang of thieves snatched items from the shop and fled in the van.

Crews from Redbridge Fire Station were on the scene earlier today using power tools to get into the shop after the entrance was damaged.

Police taped off the area while they carried out investigations.

A police spokesperson said: "We received a report at 4.50am in the early hours of May 30, that a van had driven into the front of a shop on Church Street in Southampton.

"A number of suspects, possibly four people, then began stealing items from the shop. On officers' arrival, the vehicle and suspects had already left the scene.

"It is not yet clear what property is missing from the shop."

Anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to call police on 101 quoting crime reference 44200192530.