POLICE were today hunting ramraiders who stole perfume worth up to £3,000 from a shop on the edge of the New Forest.

At least two men targeted the Ringwood branch of Boots shortly after 1.30am.

They drove a Red Astra car through the front window of the store, triggering an alarm.

The theft was witnessed by a man in a nearby flat who heard one of the raiders say: "Come on lads, we've got five minutes."

After filling the car with stolen property they sped off.

Police carried out a thorough search of the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.

A police spokesman said the gang got away with perfume worth between £2,000 and £3,000. They also stole a number of hair-dryers.

A Boots spokeswoman said the shop was boarded up after the raid but was open for business today.

She added: "We are still assessing the value of the stolen items."

The men involved in last night's raid were aged 20-30. One is described as tubby, and was wearing a blue fleecey top and jeans.

Anyone with information should ring Ringwood CID on 0845 045 4545.