AN intruder forced entry into the Co-op store in Ilminster and stole cigarettes in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

The burglary took place at the store in Cornhill at around 5am on October 15. The store re-opened later that morning to serve customers.

Co-op has shared CCTV footage from the store with Avon and Somerset Police, and anyone with information should call 101.

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “There was an incident at our Ilminster store in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, October 15, when an intruder entered the store at around 5am.

“CCTV coverage has been shared with police, and we appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward. The store re-opened later the same morning to serve the community.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing after a burglary at a Co-op store in Cornhill, Ilminster, on Saturday, October 15.

“Police were called shortly before 5.45am to say in the past hour an unknown man had forced entry to the store and stolen a quantity of cigarettes. CCTV enquires are ongoing.

“We'd ask anyone who witnessed the burglary to call 101 and quote reference number 5222248207.”