FIVE people were arrested in dawn raids today following a series of cash machine thefts where explosive gas was used by offenders.

Around 150 officers were involved in the operation following the offences, which included one at the Premier Convenience Store in Brockenhurst on September 3 last year.

A further 11 incidents took place across Hampshire, mainly at convenience stores.

Four men and a woman, from the Southampton and Farnborough areas, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to cause explosions on dates between August 14, 2019 and January 19, 2020.

they are currently helping police with their inquiries.