A VILLAGE store and post office was raided using a stolen car during the middle of the night.

The front security barrier and door at the East Bergholt Village Store, The Street, were smashed through at about 3.10am this morning by a gang.

A spokeman for Suffolk Police said: "A vehicle, a Land Rover, was left at the scene and this is believed to have been stolen from the Manningtree area after 1pm yesterday.

"Three men were seen leaving the vicinity of the store around 3.15am and it’s thought they may have got into a second vehicle nearby.

"It’s not clear what, if anything, was stolen from the premises and work continues at the scene this morning.

"Police are making ongoing enquiries to locate those involved and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area in the early hours or anyone with information about the burglars."

Scenes of crime officers and a police guard remained in place at the Co-Op store throughout the morning.

 A spokesman for the East of England Co-Op said: "I can confirm an attempted burglary took place earlier today.

"The store has been temporarily closed whilst we assist police with their enquiries.”

Another post office with an ATM was raided during the same night.

The Great Totham Village Store and Post Office in Maldon Road was ram-raided for the second time in six months.

Thieves obliterated a wall and stole the cashpoint.

Anyone with information about the East Bergholt incident call Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference 41879/16.

Anyone with information about the Great Totham raid call Essex Police on 101.