THOUSANDS of pounds worth of cigarettes are believed to have been stolen after burglars forced their way into an Upton food store in an overnight raid.

Police were called to the Co-operative Food store on Manor Drive at 11.55pm on Tuesday night.

The burglars are believed to have forced their way in through the shutters after the store closed, damaging the glass front door and stealing what police have described as ‘a quantity’ of cigarettes.

The Globe understands that more than £6,000 worth of cigarettes were taken in the raid.

A spokesman for the Co-operative Food said: "Intruders broke into our store on Manor Drie, Upton, on Tuesday night.

"The store was closed at the time, and as a result of the burglary remained closed for a short period the following morning.

"We apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may have caused."

Detectives are appealing for information following the burglary and ask that anyone who saw a silver coloured Volvo in the area to contact them.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “Emergency services were called just before midnight to reports that offenders had forced the shutters of the store open and stole a quantity of cigarettes.

“CCTV from the area continues to be sought and the scene has been forensically examined.

“Detectives are keen to trace anyone who witnessed this incident, and are particularly keen to speak with anyone who saw a silver coloured Volvo type car in the area.”

Anyone with information should contact Wirral CID on to on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.