THOUSANDS of pounds were snatched from a safe at Woolworths in Southbourne earlier this week, police have just revealed.

The theft of a white plastic A3-sized cash bag with the word "Securitas" written on it, is believed to have been carried out sometime after 5.30pm on Monday.

A police spokesman said: "It was reported to us at 9.46am on the morning of the 12th.

"A white plastic A3-sized cash bag with 'Securitas' written on it, containing several thousand pounds was stolen.

"The money was stolen from a secure area.

"A forensic examination took place the day it was reported.

"We have no idea at this time who was responsible but inquiries are continuing."

A spokesman for Woolworths confirmed that an incident had occurred on Monday, but declined to comment while police investigations were going on.