�10,000 worth of goods stolen.

Thieves have stolen �10,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol from Kilmington Service Station near Axminster.

Police believe burglars cut two holes in the roof of the office area to gain access to the premises between 3am and 4am today (Tuesday).

A force spokesman said: “One safe appears to have been cut open and approximately �10,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol were taken. “A large part of an external wall was demolished next to a further safe which appears to have been made in an unsuccessful attempt to remove this safe.”

A vehicle stolen from the Bristol area was recovered nearby with a quantity of the stolen cigarettes inside.

Forensic examinations are being carried out on the vehicle.

An alarm was activated at separate commercial premises nearby, which alerted a member of the public who saw a man in the area who police are keen to speak to.

The man is described as 5ft 7in tall, of medium build, with ‘east European’ looking skin and large brown eyes.

He also spoke with a Midlands accent and was wearing a dark grey hooded bomber jacket, dark trousers and a khaki buff concealing his mouth.

Police say the man left the scene in a green pick-up style vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting reference KA/12/4 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.