A SLEDGEHAMMER was used to smash into a coffee shop in Bourne End this morning – prompting a police appeal for witnesses.

Officers said four offenders broke through the front door of Costa Coffee on The Parade between 5.37 and 5.50am.

They stole cash from a safe and ran off after exiting through the same route.

The incident comes three days after a break-in at the nearby Co-operative supermarket in Wakeman Road.

Police said three people gained entry to the shop at 4.50am on Friday by smashing a front door panel.

They then forced open a shutter and emptied cigarette packets into a bin liner.

If you witnessed either incident or can help the police call the 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101.