Police are investigating after would-be thieves tried to steal cigarettes after breaking into a shop.

Officers were called to a report of suspicious activity outside McColl's in Stanhope, Ashford, early this morning.

After arriving at the Stanhope Road store at 4.35am, officers found it had been broken into.

Inside, they discovered an attempt had been made to steal cigarettes from behind the counter.

A police spokesman said: "An investigation into the incident is ongoing."

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/89076/22 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.