POLICE were last night appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into a mobile phones shop.

It is believed a car was used to rip security shutters off the shop in Church Street Shildon, County Durham, at about 6.30am on Tuesday.

Owner Craig Britton said he arrived at the shop to find it cordoned off by police.

He said: "When I first pulled up outside I thought someone had been murdered or attacked.''

It is believed that people working in the butcher's shop next door to the mobiles phones store disturbed the thieves, who escaped with the cash till and a few other items.

Mr Britton said: "Fortunately there was only about £60 float in the till."

Newton Aycliffe police said that the thieves fled in a dark Volvo style car and headed for Bishop Auckland.

Witnesses are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Lee Herridge on (01325) 314401.