A GROUP of masked men snatched thousands of pounds worth of equipment through a hole in the wall of a computing shop during an early hours raid.

Two men driving a black Audi A4 were later arrested on the M23, more than 20 miles away from where the crime was committed at the Currys PC World store in Old Shoreham Road, Hove.

Police were alerted to the incident when intruders triggered a security alarm at the store shortly before 5.30am on Tuesday.

Officers rushed to the scene but arrived only to discover the crooks had already made off from the shop, taking with them tens of thousands of pounds worth of stock.

Further investigations found a large hole in the side of the building, which the thieves had used to gain entry to the premises.

As enquiries into the crime continued, police received information on the possible whereabouts of some of the suspects.

This led them to Junction 10 on the M23, near Crawley, at about 6am.

Baffled travellers were diverted away from the scene as police swooped on a black Audi on the motorway.

Inside, they found mobile phones, tablets and laptops with an estimated value of between £50,000 and £80,000.

Marian Ghita, 44, a refuse worker, of Ivinghoe Road, Dagenham, and Cristian Rusu, 39, a car valeter, of Auckland Road, Ilford, Redbridge, were both arrested and remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court today, March 18, charged with burglary.

But Sussex Police are now appealing for further information on the incident as they try and catch those responsible.

A spokesman said: “Two further suspects remain outstanding.

“Anyone with any information about the incident, or anyone with dash cam or CCTV which may have captured the incident, is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 125 of 17/03.

“You can also report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.”

Unusually, this is not the first time the shop has been the target of a crime of this nature.

In September last year, burglars bore a door-sized hole in the back wall of the Currys PC World, allowing them to sneak inside and steal electrical goods worth thousands of pounds.

Officers were again called in the early hours, 3.37am, when the thieves tripped the shops intruder alarm.

They arrived to find a series of items including iPhones and iPads had been stolen, and released and appeal to the public for information on the incident.