THIEVES smashed through a brick wall of a petrol station shop to gain entry to the premise and steal cigarettes and cash. Detectives believe the burglars used a sledge hammer or similar equipment to get inside the Texaco forecourt store on the A141 in

THIEVES smashed through a brick wall of a petrol station shop to gain entry to the premise and steal cigarettes and cash.

Detectives believe the burglars used a sledge hammer or similar equipment to get inside the Texaco forecourt store on the A141 in Hartford.

A member of the public phoned police after spotting three men acting suspicious near to the filling station just before midnight on Thursday (March 26).

Cambridgeshire police said the person followed the three men while the force helicopter and dog team were sent to the scene.

Following a search of the area, two men a 24-year-old and a 33-year-old - were arrested on suspicion of burglary at about 1am on Friday and were taken to St Neots police station for questioning.

Police believe the thieves may have been staking out the area for sometime.

Detective Sgt Mark Butler investigating said: "It is likely the offenders would have been in the area for sometime prior to us receiving the call from the member of the public."

It is not known what was stolen during the burglary but cash and cigarettes are missing and a number of packets of cigarettes have been recovered nearby.

The petrol station was closed on Friday morning as police continued their investigation.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help them find the third burglar.

Dt Sgt Butler said "I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of the garage on Thursday night from 10pm who may have information about those responsible. Three men were seen running from the area and we are trying to locate one of those men and we would appeal for anyone with information to help us trace him. It is believed the offenders would have needed to use a vehicle and we are appealing to anyone who saw the vehicle parked close to the garage late on Thursday night."

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 4564564 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.