POLICE are probing a bizarre car theft incident after a BMW was abandoned just 600 meters from where it had been stolen.

The blue BMW was taken near to the town centre end of Winchester Road in the early hours of Friday 20 May.

But the thief did not keep the car for long, abandoning it just 600 meters away on the duel carriageway on Western Avenue.

The car was safely recovered.

Police are asking if anyone saw anything suspicious between the hours of 11.30pm on Thursday 19 May and 4.30am on Friday 20 May.

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting the reference: 44160190303