THOUSANDS of pounds worth of cigarettes and hundreds in cash was stolen from a shop.

Crooks broke into Park News Plus in The Crescent, Colchester.

Once inside, they grabbed cigarettes and money.

The incident happened at 12.40am on Friday, June 26 but details have only just been released by Essex Police.

A spokesman for the force said: "A four-figure sum of cigarettes and hundreds of pounds in cash were taken.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/92962/20.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."