A CAR dumped on the A339 near Rooksdown could have been used in a raid on a Hampshire petrol station, detectives believe.

Officers on patrol in Basingstoke tried to stop a burgundy-coloured Subaru Legacy, with four people inside, in Roman Road, Winklebury, at 12.30am this morning.

The car did not stop and following a short pursuit, it was found on the A339, with cigarettes inside. A search was carried out but the occupants were not found.

Between 11.20pm and 11.40pm on Wednesday evening, there was a break-in at Botley Service Station, in Station Hill, Botley, near Southampton.

Cigarettes were stolen from the garage and a burgundy Subaru car was seen in the area at the time of the incident.

Detectives in Winchester are also looking at whether the incidents have anything to do with an attempted burglary at 11pm on Wednesday evening at the Hire Centre, in Church Road, Locks Heath.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Inspector Justin Turgout at Winchester CID on 101.