POLICE are investigating a second night of shop ram-raiding in Thurrock.

In the early hours of Thursday morning the Food and Wine store in Linford was raided and two more shops were attacked in the early hours of today (Friday, 19 March).

A police statement says: "We were contacted shortly after 1.35am with reports a silver Nissan Terrano had driven into the front window of the 'At Your Convenience Store' in High Street, Orsett.

"Someone attempted to take money from a cash machine inside, but left empty-handed. The suspects left in the car towards Stifford Clays Road.

"While officers were on scene, a further call came in at 1.50am with reports a vehicle matching the same description had driven into the front window of Moylers in Calcutta Road, Tilbury.

"It is not yet clear if anything was taken. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to stop and was later found damaged in Christchurch Road.

"We are treating the incidents as linked. We believe they are also linked to a burglary at Linford Food & Wine in East Tilbury Road Linford at about 1.15am yesterday, where extensive damage was caused to the front of the building.

"Our enquiries remain ongoing and we'd like to speak to any witnesses and anyone who lives in the area of this morning's incidents and has CCTV or doorbell footage.

"Contact us quoting incident 42/47591/21. You can speak to an online operator at here between 7am and 11pm or call 101.

Or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via this link.

The raid at Orsett Stores and Post Office has caused some disruption to service. A statement says: "Due to an issue overnight we are unable to open the post office and can only serve with certain products at this time.

"If you could come to the side of the shop we will be more than happy to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding."