COLD-HEARTED crooks grabbed a laptop and cash after smashing their way into a church bookshop in Clacton.

The raiders tried to break through the front door of the shop, which is part of Trinity Methodist Church in Pier Avenue.

They eventually popped open a side window to gain access before taking money from the till and snatching a laptop from the office.

Shocked staff arrived to find the mess on Monday December 16.

Manager Liz Marshall said: “We went inside and saw the till had been pulled out. We had to search around to find what was missing and damaged. It was a horrible experience.

“Having the bookshop here allows the church to be open to people during the week which is a very important thing for the community. It is very upsetting.”

Staff patched up the window and made sure it was business as usual despite the burglary.

They are now talking to their insurance company to get the damage fixed and stolen items replaced.

Anyone with information on the burglary should contact police on 101.