THIEVES smashed their way into a Wootton Bassett shop then stole cigarettes and cans of lager.

The thieves were caught on CCTV kicking in the door of Balfour News, in Longleaze, and then grabbing packets of cigarettes and cans from the shelves.

They ripped one of the CCTV cameras from the ceiling before making off along Rylands Way towards The Rosary just after midnight on Thursday.

The shop did not open until noon yesterday and the staff were not able to deliver newspapers to their customers.

Store supervisor Catherine Nash, said: "It's a horrible thing really shocking.

"This sort of thing happens in Bristol not in Wootton Bassett."

Shortly before the incident the police found a crashed Peugeot 406 on the A3102 near the Sally Pussey Inn.

Police believe the incidents are connected.

A man has now been arrested.

Sgt Andy Fortune said: "At 1.10am a 30-year-old local man was arrested by officers because he matched the description we had.

"He was also arrested for taking a vehicle without consent."

Anyone with information about what happened should contact Wootton Bassett police on 01793 852213 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.