Police are hunting a group suspected of stealing hundreds of pounds worth of Lego from a toyshop - just a month after a similar raid in Kent.

Detectives have been searching for three women clad in denim hotpants who made off with £700 worth of the building blocks in Broadstairs.

But the search is now said to have been widened following reports a similar incident has occurred, this time with loot twice the amount in neighbouring Essex.

CCTV images have been released of two women, again wearing hotpants, and a man entering a toy store at Lakeside on October 5.

Images show a woman in her mid-to-late 20s wearing brown shorts and a cream jacket carrying a large box out of the store, reportedly without having paid for the merchandise.

A man of similar age with dark hair and a moustache and in a black striped jumper can be seen in another photo carrying another box, also suspected to have been stolen.

A third suspect was captured by security cameras wearing an orange top, a cream jacket and fraying jean shorts.

Certain Lego products can sell for hundreds of pounds - models of the Titanic, the Colosseum and the Star Wars spaceship, the Millennium Falcon are among the most expensive sets.

Together, the two Lego sets reportedly stolen from Smyths Toys store, in West Thurrock, Essex, are worth £1,400.

Police from Kent and Essex are understood to be working together to identify the suspects and ask that anyone with information get in touch immediately.

The suspected theft in Essex follows the incident in Broadstairs on September 2.

CCTV footage taken from the first store shows three women with ponytails wearing denim hot pants.

At the time, a Kent police spokesman said: "We are investigating the theft of high-value goods from a shop in Broadstairs.

"Two large Lego sets were stolen from a commercial premises in a retail park in Margate Road.

"We are now able to issue CCTV images of three women we would like to identify and speak to as they may have information which could assist enquiries.”

Anyone who can identify those pictured are being urged to call detectives on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/172744/22.

An Essex police spokesman said: "We are looking to identify the people in these CCTV images, who we want to speak to in connection with this investigation.

"If you know who they are, or have any information which could help, please contact us."