A SECURITY guard was held for more than three hours by five hooded raiders who targeted a television firm in Hedge End.

Detectives at Eastleigh today released details of the raid, which happened at Tandberg Television's premises on the isolated Strategic Park off Upper Northam Drive.

The gang of five are believed to have cut the padlock and chain on the gates before forcing their way on to the premises.

Police said a security guard then tried to tackle the raiders but he was overpowered by the men, who were all wearing open-faced Balaclavas.

After tying him up the gang made off with 20 used laptop computers, three plasma televisions and an unknown quantity of cash from a cash machine on the premises plus a company Toyota Corolla car.

A police spokesman said: "The guard wasn't badly hurt, although he did suffer bruising as he tried to prevent the robbery taking place. He struggled as they tied him up."

The alarm was raised at 2.20am on Sunday after the security guard managed to free himself.

Detectives today said they were anxious to hear from any householders in the area who may have heard or seen anything suspicious during the day or on the night of the robbery, which began on Saturday at about 11pm.

Police particularly want to hear from anyone who spotted a dark coloured saloon or hatchback vehicle which the gang are thought to have used. Witnesses who saw the silver Toyota Corolla - registration HD 54 CKL - leaving the premises at about 2.20am on Sunday are also asked to come forward.

Detectives say the security guard was unable to provide descriptions of the men because of the Balaclavas they were wearing.

Anyone offered a 42in or 50in Pioneer plasma television or a 32in Sony television is also asked to contact Eastleigh CID on 0845 045 4545. Police say the televisions were not boxed and had no cables.