THIEVES smashed through the front of a petrol station to steal cigarettes.

Police were called to Tiptree petrol station on Maypole Road at about 4am this morning.

It is not yet clear what was used to get into the Shell garage or how many cigarettes were stolen.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police sre investigating the break-in.

“Suspects forced the front door.”

Anyone with information call Essex Police on 101.