HUNDREDS of pounds worth of cigarettes and tobacco were stolen in an overnight raid at a supermarket.

Thieves apparently gained access to the Asda store, in Haughton Road, Darlington, sometime between the close of business on Saturday (February 1) and 10am the following morning.

Customers said crime scene investigators were at the store on Sunday morning.

Shelves had been completely cleared of tobacco products.

The store remains open, although staff were unwilling to comment when asked about the break-in.

An Asda spokeswoman confirmed that the incident had taken place and that no one was hurt.

Witnesses to the incident, or anyone with any information, can call officers on the non-emergency number, 101.