Receipts from transactions made at the BP Connect Garage in Brackley Road, Towcester, on Saturday, May 2, were among those taken in a raid, and police have issued an urgent warning for anyone who used the garage that day to check their bank statements.

Fraudsters who have access to the details on the receipts would be able to use them to buy goods on the internet.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said officers were appealing for witnesses who may have seen a red Honda Civic in the area on the day of the theft.

He said: "Receipts containing personal details were stolen from the BP Garage in Brackley Road, A43 northbound, Towcester, on Saturday, May 2.

"The receipts contained personal details such as the full card number, security number and start and expiry dates, of cards used at the station during the day.

"Anyone who has used a debit or credit card at the garage on this date before 9pm should check their accounts and report any suspicious activity."

The spokesman said a good description of a man wanted in connection with the theft had been provided by witnesses.

He said: "At this stage we have a description of one of three possible offenders. He is described as an Asian male, about 5ft 10in, with a medium build and a bald head.

"He was aged in his mid to late 20s, possibly early 30s, wearing a blue and grey striped short-sleeved hooded top, blue faded jeans and white trainers.

"He may have been driving or a passenger in a red Honda Civic, registration N975 FGA."

Petrol stations in Northamptonshire have increasingly been used by criminals hoping to commit identity fraud.

At the beginning of the year, the Chronicle & Echo revealed more than 1,000 people had had money stolen from their accounts after cards were cloned at the Shell garage on the A45 near East Hunsbury and the Shell service station on the A5 in Paulerspury.

A spokesman for BP Connect said: "We can confirm about 20 receipts were taken. We continually review security to ensure our customers' details are protected."

& Witnesses, or any victims of bank fraud, can call police on 03000 111222.