A GANG using cutting gear made two early morning raids to steal cigarettes.

The three-strong gang first struck at Huddersfield Co-op on Huddersfield Road in Mirfield shortly after 3.30am today.

They used the cutting equipment to slice through the roller shutter doors. They fled with a haul of cigarettes.

At around 3.50am they attacked Woodkirk Post Office on Leeds Road, Soothill in Batley.

They broke in through a door and then used cutting gear to get through a roller shutter protecting the cigarette kiosk. Again they made off with cigarettes.

They were seen driving away in a blue car.

One of the thieves is white, 6ft and stocky.

Det Con Dave Kinghorn, of Huddersfield police intelligence unit, said: "We believe the crimes are linked and would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in either Mirfield or Soothill to contact us.

"Did anyone see the blue car travelling in either area or travelling between them?"

Contact Det Con Kinghorn on 01484 436666.