POLICE are investigation a ram raid that took place in the early hours of this morning at a shop in Tilbury.

The store, Montreal Food and Wine on Montreal Road was badly damaged in the attack.

A police statement this morning said: "We remain at the scene after a vehicle was used to damage the front of a shop.

"One suspect entered the business while one suspect remained outside in the vehicle. 

"We were alerted to the incident shortly after 5am this morning (Wednesday, 17 September).

"At this stage, we're working with the business owner to establish what items have been taken during the incident.

"Our investigation to identify the vehicle used and those responsible is ongoing and we're working through a number of immediate enquiries.

"Anyone with information on the incident should contact us as soon as possible, citing incident 111 of 17 September.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.