POLICE are hunting burglars who broke into a shop and stole cash and cigarettes.

Offenders targeted Milehouse Lane Convenience Store, in Cross Heath, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

They are believed to have got in by smashing the bottom panel of the front door.

Police are still working to establish the value of the stock that was taken, but it is said to be about 1,000 cigarettes.

The officers have not revealed how much cash was taken from the till.

But the shop's owners, Marie and Clifford Purkiss, also lost a day's takings after they were forced to close the business so forensic tests and repair work could take place.

CCTV footage has been taken away and will be reviewed.

Mr Purkiss, aged 51, who is also postmaster of the post office inside the store, said: "The alarm went off around 3.20am so I went to the shop and found out it had been burgled.

"It is concerning and upsetting.

"We haven't just lost the things that were taken, but a day's takings as well.

"They made quite a mess so we had to get it cleaned up and have a new door."

Yesterday, customers were met by police tape stopping them from getting near the shop.

Neighbours say they heard nothing during the night and only found out about the burglary once they got up in the morning.

Ken Mountford, aged 85, of Milehouse Lane, said: "I was surprised when I found out.

"Nothing much ever goes on around here and I have never heard of any real trouble like this.

"They must have lost some trade by having to keep the place closed."

David Bagguley, aged 62, who lives opposite the post office, said: "A lot of people come past here during the day, but it is very quiet at night.

"No-one would have been at the post office or shop at that time so that's probably why it was a target.

"It hasn't surprised me because you do hear about shops like that getting burgled. I'm not worried by it."

But another Milehouse Lane resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It has frightened me because I live alone and anything could have happened if the burglars were disturbed.

"When a burglary happens near you it makes you feel particularly unsafe.

"I'm glad no-one got hurt and hope the police catch those responsible very soon."

The store is in the middle of a row of shops.

Malcolm Hill, pharmacy manager of nearby Milwards Chemists, said: "We didn't know anything had happened until a customer came in and told us.

"We were surprised. It has upset a lot of people because it happened on their doorstep."

The 38-year-old, who lives in Trentham, added: "Some of the shops here have had break-ins in the past, but not for a good while because most of us have shutters now."

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Police were called at around 3.40am following a report of a burglary at the post office in Milehouse Lane.

"Offenders had forced entry to the shop and stolen a quantity of cigarettes and cash from the till."

Anyone with information, or who is offered cigarettes for sale, should contact DS David Alcock at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 52 of February 21.

Alternatively, residents can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The shop and post office will open today as usual.