Haul of cigarettes grabbed

More than £6,000 of cigarettes were stolen during a raid on a Bilston shop today - the second attack in four weeks.

Thieves smashed their way into the Supercigs in Market Way at 2am, using crow bars.

Four weeks ago the store was targeted by ramraiders who used a van to batter their way in past shutters.

Raiders also last night escaped with cigarettes and alcohol after terrorising two women workers at Tates Spar shop in Albrighton High Street. They were left shaken but unhurt.

During the attack at 10.20pm thieves threatened them and demanded they open the safe.

Debbie Fenton, owner of Supercigs in Bilston, said it was heartbreaking to be targeted again so quickly.

"The place is a real mess and we are having to clean it up which is a hassle you just don't need. They used a van last month to burst through the shutters but this time they just crow-barred their way in," she added.

Det Sgt Darren Howells, of Shrewsbury police, appealed for witnesses to the Albrighton raid call 08457 444 888. He said: "Staff did not have access to the safe so the men used a hammer and screwdriver to force open the cash drawer on the till."

The crooks, who were disturbed by a member of the public, were black or Asian and made off along the High Street. Police were investigating the possibility of a link with a robbery at the Lea Manor Hotel in Albrighton on January 5.