RAIDERS attempted to break into a Colchester supermarket for a second time since it opened two months ago.

Ali Nasser has run shops in Clacton, Lawford and Ipswich for almost 30 years without problems.

However, within weeks of opening the Food Hall, on Hythe Hill, he has been hit twice.

Police are appealing for information after would-be thieves tried to force their way in at 1am on Monday.

PC Dan Smith, said: “Two men prised away at the frame around the glass on the front door.

“They were in the area for around ten minutes, during which at least two taxis were seen driving around. We urge the drivers to contact us.”

Mr Nasser said: “The first attempt was about six weeks ago, just two weeks after we opened.

“It is more than frustrating. You try and open a business in these difficult times and this happens. Banks don’t want to lend money, so you borrow every penny from the family and then this happens. What is the point?”

The raids have left Mr Nasser £400 out of pocket because of damage caused.

The shop offers alternative foods familiar to Poland, the Czech Republic and Turkey as well as Halal meat.

Mr Nasser said: “We want to offer something special to people and those from ethnic minorities. Colchester is my home from home. I went to university here and met my wife here.

“But after nearly 30 years of no burglaries, we have now had these two awful experiences.”

Mr Nasser is landlord at Dial-a-Pizza, in Old Road, Clacton, and used to own Dial-a-Dinner, in Jubilee End, Lawford, as well as others in Ipswich.

Anyone with information about the break-in attempts call officers at Colchester police station on 101.