ROCKWELL Green residents have been left shocked after the village shop was targeted by thieves in an early morning raid.

Two suspects, a man and a woman both in their 20s, were later arrested by police on suspicion of burglary. The man was released under investigation following a police interview, while the woman was released with no action planned.

Thieves targeted tobacco, cigarettes and vaping products from Brock’s Premier store.

Former police officer Simon Brock, who owns the business, was alerted to the break-in at around 3am on Saturday, March 30. It is understood he drove to the address, where he discovered the door open, and remained in his car until officers arrived.

Although officers were on the scene within ten minutes, the thieves had already fled.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to assist with their inquiries. In a statement a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Inquiries are being carried out following a break-in and theft of items from a convenience store in Wellington.

“Enquiries are ongoing, including reviewing CCTV footage, and we'd ask anyone with information to please contact us on 101 and provide reference number 5224081149."

This is understood to be the first burglary incident in nearly 25 years since Mr Brock opened the store. Residents told the Wellington Weekly about their “shock and disbelief” over the incident.

One resident said: “Brock has been here for nearly 25 years and this has never happened before. There have obviously been shoplifters but nothing like this.”