MASKED thieves made off with a quantity of cigarettes after forcing shutters and smashing the door of a general store.

Police investigating the raid on the Spar shop in Worcester Road, Hagley, last Thursday believe that three or four men clad in dark clothing with balaclavas covering their heads forced their way in shortly before midnight.

The raiders carried their haul away in two large white sacks and made their getaway in a green BMW coupe registration P480 EOV which sped off in the direction of Stourbridge.

Kidderminster police are anxious to hear from any witnesses and can be contacted on 01562 820888 or via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.