THREE men wearing balaclavas have broken into a Kirkbymoorside shop and stolen a large number of cigarettes.

The incident happened at the Spar shop in Market Place at about 3am yesterday.

The men, who were wearing dark clothing, broke into the shop and made off with a large quantity of cigarettes. Police officers were alerted when the burglar alarm was activated.

An extensive area search was carried out by officers in the early hours and neighbouring police forces are helping in the hunt for the suspects.

Crime scene investigators are forensically examining the shop, which has been cordoned off and remained closed to the public as the Gazette went to press last night.

CCTV footage in the area is also being analysed by the investigation team.

Detective Sergeant Ken Proctor, of Scarborough CID, said: “We are doing everything we can to trace the suspects and bring them to justice.

“As part of our ongoing inquiries, we are appealing for witnesses to come forward or anyone with information about suspicious individuals or vehicles in the Kirkbymoorside area, particularly in the Market Place area of the town.”

He added: “If you can help, even with just a small piece of information, please do the right thing and contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Scarborough CID.

If you prefer not to give your name, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting 12130055957.