POLICE are investigating and area appealing for information after a shop burglary in Halstead.

The Post Office and WH Smith shop in the High Street was broken into, with intruders leaving the store with a ‘completely smashed’ slide door and smashed front door.

Tobacco products were stolen, and damage to the shop floor was caused. 

The incident came just days before Halstead’s Empire Theatre was broken into and vandalised on October 25.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "We are investigating a burglary at a shop in Halstead High Street which took place at 11.25pm on October 15.

"It was reported tobacco products were taken and the shop door was damaged.

"The man involved is described as 6ft tall and wearing dark-coloured trousers and a cream/light-coloured hoodie which was pulled up over his face.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/157429/24."

Speaking to Halstead Gazette, a WH Smith staff member said: “It was a big smash up."

"We couldn’t open the main door and one of the front door windows had been smashed.

“The side door was just an open-door frame, the glass had come off in one piece and completely smashed on the ground by the book aisle.

"We've since had the glass repaired, but the side door still doesn't work.

“From the mess that was left, it looks as if the intruders came around the kiosk looking for cigarettes."