POLICE are appealing for information after £5,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen from a supermarket in Dartford.

Officers were called to the Co-op in Temple Hill Square just before 1.30am on February 17 and found its entire stock of cigarettes had been stolen.

The two male offenders are described as well built, between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall.

Both were seen to be carrying a yellow builders’ merchants’ bag with the cigarettes in it.

The first suspect wore white trainers, navy Adidas jogging bottoms, a black jacket with a black mask over his face, black gloves and a grey hood.

The second suspect, who was of a larger build, wore grey or white gloves, a black hooded top with three stripes down each arm, dark trousers or tracksuit bottoms with black mask over his face.

A screwdriver and pickaxe believed to have been used in the break-in were found at the scene.

A green Volvo C40, thought to have been involved in the burglary, was found on fire in Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, at approximately 2.30am on February 17.

The car’s licence plates had been stolen from Sheridan Court, Dartford, on February 14.

Detectives believe this incident may be linked to 10 others in north and west Kent that have taken place since the start of the year.

DC Nick Whiteoak, investigating, said: “This was a very significant break-in with a large amount of cigarettes stolen.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in Temple Hill Square on the night in question or in Sheridan Court on February 14.”

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01634 792166 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.