THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds of cigarettes from a newsagent’s shop in York.

They struck while a delivery was being made, outside London’s at the junction of East Parade and Mill Lane, Heworth.

The driver of a P & H Retail Distributions wagon was in the shop for about five minutes at about 11.25am on Monday and when he returned to his vehicle the rear shutter door had been forced open and 200 boxes containing 200 multi-packs of cigarettes taken.

PC Julia Delaney, of York Police, said: “If anyone saw any suspicious activity or vehicles in the East Parade and Mill Lane area around the time of the incident we would like to hear from them.

“It is believed the offenders could well have used a van due to the large amount of goods that were stolen.

“We would also appeal to anyone who may have been offered large amounts of cigarettes for sale to get in touch with the police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information that could help the police with their enquiries is urged to phone PC Delaney on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• A postwoman was thrown to the ground and her van stolen in a mail robbery in Selby district.

The 31-year old was delivering in Eggborough when a man pushed her and stole her keys.

She tried to pull the keys from the ignition as the man drove off, but was forced to let go as he sped away.

The incident happened at about 1pm on Monday, in High Eggborough Lane, and involved a hired van being used by Royal Mail, with registration number VE07NLC.

Anyone with information should phone DC Tania Gillman on 0845 6060247.