Cigarettes worth around £2,500 have been stolen on a raid in a shop in Hempstead.

Police are appealing for information following the burglary at the shop in Hempstead Road at around 2.25am yesterday (Thursday). The door to the shop and shelving were damaged.

Officers were alerted by the shop’s alarm sounding and a call from a member of the public reporting an incident in the vicinity.

CCTV from the area is being reviewed and local enquiries have been carried out.

Two men are that to have been involved, the first suspect is a white man, stocky build, approximately 6ft, wearing a black balaclava, white gloves with a grey palm, a grey long sleeved zipped top, dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

The second is also white, medium build, 5ft 11in and he was wearing a black balaclava, black gloves, a black hooded coat, dark grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

DC Natalie Collin said: "We are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to contact police as a priority.

"Two men left the scene in a dark coloured car shortly after the incident and I ask that if the descriptions are familiar to anyone, that they contact police.’

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which may assist officers is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 792460, if possible quoting reference XY/1930/12.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.