BURGLARS used an axe to smash their way into a shop in Braintree before making off with cigarettes.

The crooks targeted the Chelmsford Star Co-op, in Church Street, on Friday night.

A spokesman for Essex Police said two suspects arrived outside the store on a scooter at about 11.50pm.

He added: "They then smashed a window with what we believe to be an orange and black axe.

"One of the suspects has then gone inside the store and has taken a number of packets of cigarettes. They both fled from the scene on the scooter towards Church Lane.

"One of the men wore dark clothing while the other was dressed in grey and wore a hoody.

"We believe the suspects may have been disturbed by people at The Retreat and we would like to thank them for their vigilance."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Braintree CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/54058/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.