A cache of shotguns and ammunition have been stolen in what police believe was a deliberate raid.

Six guns, including four 12-gauge guns, were among items stolen during a break-in at a house in Southampton, Hampshire Police said.

The intruders were able to make off with the licensed weapons and cartridges despite them being “locked in suitable cabinets”, the force said.

The burglars also took two replica weapons, a Beretta handgun and a copy of a Thompson sub-machine gun – also known as a Tommy Gun and popular with gangsters in 1920s Chicago.

They also stole an air rifle and a ball-bearing pistol in a break-in that police believe happened between 8.30am and 2pm on Friday.

Cash and other items were also taken from the house in Mousehole Lane.

Detective Inspector Pete Boakes said: “It’s likely this was a targeted burglary which resulted in firearms being stolen.

“Our priority is to locate these weapons so they can’t be used in criminal activities.

“A number of officers are working on the case to try identify the offenders and recover the guns as soon as possible.”

The guns taken were 12 gauge guns made by Baikal, Maroccini and BSA, plus a 20 gauge gun by Harrington and Richardson and a smaller .410 gun.

Police appealed for anyone with dash cam footage from the area on the day of the raid to contact detectives.