FEARS are growing over the whereabouts of 11 shotguns which were snatched after ram-raiders smashed their way into a Hampshire village sports shop.

Today police were stepping up the hunt for the thieves and are concerned about the danger posed by having such a large number of guns at loose in the community.

A gang got away with the shotguns, worth a total of about £12,000, after using a van to smash their way into Town and Country Sports in Botley High Street.

Villagers told detectives that they heard a noise as a vehicle smashed into the door of the shop and saw a red van make off in the early hours of Thursday morning. The damage was confined to the door and the ram-raid triggered off an alarm, though the villains had enough time to scoop up 11 shotguns, including semi-automatics.

Detective Sergeant Chris Fitchet, of Eastleigh CID, said: "We are concerned that there are a number of guns loose in the community and we do not know whose hands they have fallen into. If anyone is offered a shotgun then they should contact us."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact the crime desk at Eastleigh Police Station on 0845 045 4545.