FOUR masked burglars forced their way into a shop during the night and stole cigarettes and cash before making off in a silver Mercedes.

Officers investigating a burglary at a Spar store in Shaftesbury are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

At around 11.20pm on Friday, January 21 four offenders forced entry to the shop, in Mampitts Road, and stole a quantity of cigarettes and cash. It is reported that the group used a silver Mercedes, which started with the registration WJ05, to get to and from the scene.

The first offender is described as white, tall and was wearing skinny fit blue jeans, a padded jacket that had a lighter colour on the top section and darker colour on the bottom section and black and white trainers.

The second offender is described as short and of slight build and was wearing a dark-coloured coat with orange lining on the inside of the hood, possible Superdry, with Nike tracksuit bottoms. The third offender is described as tall, of large build and was wearing a dark-coloured North Face jacket.

They were all wearing face masks. No description has been obtained of the fourth offender.

Police constable Vicky Worboys, of North Dorset police, said: "This incident occurred late in the evening after the store had closed. I am appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would also ask anyone who may have captured the offenders in the area on their home CCTV or dashcams to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220012702. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.