MASKED burglars armed with a crowbar, sledgehammer and a screwdriver broke into a convenience shop in Winsford.

The raid at McColl's store on Cheviot Square happened at around 2.15am on Friday, July 19 and activated the alarm.

Two offenders, wearing black balaclavas, stole a quantity of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Detective Constable Tom Leathers said: “The two men were carrying a crowbar, a sledgehammer and a screwdriver as they carried out the burglary.

“No-one was in the convenience store at the time and I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all that we can to identify the offenders and bring them to justice.

“Enquiries are ongoing and as part of our investigation we are appealing for information and footage from members of the public.

“Perhaps you were in the area and saw the offenders either before or after they had broken into the convenience store, or maybe you have CCTV or dashcam footage of them, or information regarding their identities.

“If you think you can aid our investigation in any way please get in touch with the team here."

One of the intruders was of medium build and wearing a dark coloured hooded jacket, dark bottoms, black shoes and black gloves.

His accomplice was slimmer and was wearing a zipped-up black Puffa-style jacket with the hood up, black bottoms and dark-coloured footwear with white soles.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone who was in the area and believes that they may have seen the offenders to come forward.

They also want to speak to anyone who thinks they may know who the offenders are or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them.

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Anyone with information should call Northwich CID on 01606 364287, quoting IML 460417.”

Alternatively, information can be given via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.