A Post Office was left badly damaged as packs of cigarettes were stolen in a break-in.

Herts Police were alerted to the Eastbury Road Post Office in Watford being targeted at around 1.53am today (July 9).

Neighbours say that the storefront was found "very, very badly damaged" this morning and officers remained in place for hours. The shutters were apparently left broken and the front door was smashed.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the door had been damaged in the break-in and that "numerous packs of cigarettes were stolen from within".

The force is continuing to make enquiries and anyone with information is asked to call 101, or report it online, quoting the reference 41/55782/24.

The Post Office has been closed today and it is unclear when it will be able to reopen.

Carpenders Park Post Office.Carpenders Park Post Office. (Image: Google Street View)

It comes after the Carpenders Park Post Office branch, in The Parade, was broken into at around 3.05am on June 19, by two suspects wearing hoods, gloves and face coverings.

They stole around £1,000 worth of cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco before fleeing on a motorbike towards Delta Gain.

Herts Police have been asked whether they are linking the offences. Update to follow.