Swift arrests as men found in Southsea car showroom in early hours of the morning

A young female member of staff arrived at Trojan Cars in Francis Avenue, Southsea, and heard banging and crashing coming from inside the building.

It was just before 7.40am on Saturday and, fearing there was someone inside, she called the police.

Within minutes they were at the showroom and had arrested two men. The door had been kicked in.

It has left owner Mark Battye with a repair bill of about £500. The office was left in a mess but nothing appeared to have been stolen

The break-in is being linked to another burglary nearby, just hours before.

Mr Battye said: ‘We were able to open as usual but it caused a lot of upheaval.

‘My daughter came down and realised something was going on. They caused a lot of mess but didn’t manage to take anything. There wasn’t any damage to the cars.’

Mr Battye said he believed four people had broken into another garage nearby and caused damage to some of the vehicles. Only two men were involved in the break-in at his showroom.

A spokesman for the police said they were called at 7.41am and were at Trojan Cars by 7.47am.

He said: ‘I can confirm two men were detained in relation to the matter but we cannot give any more details at this time.’

Anyone with information should contact Portsmouth police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

•A 16-year-old and 18-year-old have been charged with carrying out a non-dwelling burglary. They must appear at Portsmouth Magistrate’s Court on March 1.