Cigarettes worth thousands of pounds have been stolen in raids across rural Cumbria.

Three premises were targeted in the early hours of Friday, and police believe they are linked.

The first happened at the filling station at Kirkby Thore.

Police said a number of offenders arrived in a dark-coloured vehiclethen smashed security lights and CCTV domes.

They then tried to force entry via the security shutters, but failed.

The Co-op in Appleby was then targeted, with entry being forced using a black and yellow crowbar.

Once inside, they forced open the cigarette kiosk shutters and filled a large yellow building supplies bag with tobacco products.

The total value of the goods stolen was £15,000.

The raiders then left in a dark-coloured BMW 3 Series estate.

A short time later, the McColl's store in Kirkby Stephen, formerly the Co-op, was targeted in a similar raid.

The front door was forced open by four males in dark clothing.

Again they attacked the cigarette store, and filled a large yellow building supplies bag full of tobacco. The total value was £7,600.

They then made off in the direction of the M6 junction at Tebay.

Police are appealing for witnesses with information about the offenders, the stolen goods or the vehicle involved.

Call Carlisle CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.