A SHOP frontage in Stanford-le-Hope has been completely wrecked.

The cause of the substantial damage to Ellie M's, a seafood and sandwich shop which has only recently opened on the town's King Street was a small flatbed truck which rammed the frontage last night.

It appears to be a malicious act rather than a robbery. The truck, which belongs to Essex Driveways, had been stolen earlier in the evening.

The owners of the shop, which opened last Wednesday, are distraught, saying they have put everything they have into the opening of the shop.

Already volunteers have turned up to help clear up the damage.

A police statement says: "We were called shortly before 12.10am today (Thursday 29 April) to reports a vehicle had been in collision with the front of a shop in King Street, Stanford-le-Hope.

"The vehicle did not remain at the scene.

"Our enquiries are ongoing.

"If you saw what happened or have CCTV or dash cam footage, please contact us.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Please quote incident 5 of 29 April.