Men smash Southampton coffee shop window in early morning burglary

Muse Coffee Co in Portswood, Southampton, was targeted at around 4am on Wednesday morning.

Blood spatters were left everywhere in the coffee shop, a worker told the Daily Echo. An empty till was taken.

It comes as an anti-immigration protest is set to take place in Grosvenor Square, with a counter-demonstration in East Park. Police have said the burglary is not related.

Worker Chloe Sharp, 20, said: "Somebody broke in around 4am this morning.

"They threw a brick through the window and left blood everywhere, so we've had the police down here this morning.

"I don't know if it's coincidence or anything to do with the protests but they took our till, fortunately there was no money in it.

"I've been here two months and it's the first time I've seen something like this happen, it just seems like the world has gone crazy.

"Hopefully this is a one-off and we don't see any more problems tonight, it's the last thing Portswood needs."

Muse Coffee Co, Portswood. (Image: Matt Davey)

The incident has raised concerns in the community, with a councillor saying he is hoping it is 'isolated'.

Ward councillor Jon Savage said: "It's shocking, hopefully it's just an isolated incident and the police are able to catch those involved."

One passer-by, who did not want to be named, said: "Things like this are becoming more and more common.

"Let's hope this is all it comes to and there's no further trouble."

Police are now investigating the incident as a burglary. A spokesperson said: "The incident at Muse is related to a burglary overnight, not any ongoing disorder.”

The Hampshire police spokesperson added: "We received a report (on Wednesday) of a burglary at Muse Café on Portswood Road.

"It was reported the front door was smashed with a brick and an empty till was stolen.

"This occurred between 7.30pm yesterday (6/8) and 6.10am today.

"Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44240336558."