Dawn raiders take tobacco; Packs carried away in black dustbins.

Byline: Dave Black 

POLICE last night released CCTV images of a robbery at a Northumberland supermarket. The raid happened at about 5am on Thursday at Somerfield Garage, Moor Farm, Cramlington.

At least two men were involved and drove to the scene in a Vauxhall Cavalier, stolen some time after 11pm on Wednesday from the Gosforth area of Newcastle.

The car, registration L45 WYS, was found burnt out in Seghill at 5.45am.

The images show the men breaking into the supermarket by smashing the glass door with a metal drain cover.

They then filled two black bins with cigarettes worth about pounds 7,000. One of the bins has the number 454 written on it in white paint. No one was hurt during the raid, although staff were shocked. The first man is white, about 5ft 9in, of medium build and spoke with a local accent, but not Geordie.

He is believed to be in his 20s. He wore black clothing, possibly a bomber-style black jacket and a full balaclava and black gloves.

The second man is white, about 5ft 6in and of medium build. He is also believed to be in his 20s but did not speak. He wore a brown jacket, a full balaclava and gloves.

Detective Inspector Steve Wouldhave, of Northumberland Area Command, said: "Robberies such as this are quite unusual and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry.

"We hope the public will be able to help by letting us know any information they may have about the car, the individuals involved or the bin."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043043, ext 61826 or 69191.

Robberies such as this are quite unusual and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry

CAPTION(S):

ARRIVAL The first raider pauses at the shop door.; ENTRY He smashes the glass with a drain cover.; CLEAR-OUT A robber with bins at the cigarette display.