TWO Co-op stores were raided by burglars last night with one man arrested so far.

Police were first called to the company's convenience store in Cranleigh Road, Southbourne at 9.23pm.

The alarm was sounding and officers discovered the store had been broken into.

Bournemouth Echo:

It is not known what was taken but the store remains closed this morning.

A shed outside the sore had also been raided and a smoke alarm had activated so the fire service also attended. No arrests have been made.

Two-and-a-half hours later officers were called to the Co-op in Queens Road near Westbourne.

It was reported that two men had broken in to the shop and were attempting to steal alcohol, cigarettes and scratch cards.

Officers attended and detained a man and the scene was secured while police dogs and the NPAS police helicopter searched for the second man who had fled the premises.

A man aged in his 40s from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and is helping officers with enquiries.