Safes containing thousands of pounds were stolen in a ram-raid on Monday morning, it has been revealed.

The Tesco Express petrol station, in London Road, Larkfield, was severely damaged and will remain closed for weeks after the burglary in the early hours of yesterday morning. Aug 31

The store was closed when a vehicle was deliberately reversed into the store entrance, a police spokeman said.

A black Land Rover was left on the forecourt with its engine running and has since been identified as stolen.

Police were called at around 2.25am.

Officers were working yesterday to find out what was stolen, and have now confirmed safes were taken, with cash totalling thousands inside.

A cash machine at the petrol station was not taken.

Following the raid, Cllr Anita Oakley, who represents Larkfield South, said she was "appalled" by what had happened.

She said: "It's bizarre and not something that we are used to. I just hope it is not the beginning of a trend.

"It's a lovely area, we are not used to this sort of thing. I hope they catch the culprits."

A statement issued by Tesco said: “Our Larkfield Esso Express store remains closed following a robbery which has caused significant damage.

"We’re working hard to get started on repairs so that the store can re-open but it will likely remain closed for a number of weeks.

"We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes for our customers.”

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