A newsagent today offered a cash reward to track down thieves who stole thousands of pounds of cigarettes in a raid on his shop.

Wasim Khokhar, 28, appealed for help in catching those responsible for the break-in at the family-run business in West Bowling, Bradford.

And he said his family was willing to offer more than £500 to anyone who could offer information that would lead to the conviction of the offender.

"My family have been in this shop for more than 20 years and this is the first time that something like this has happened to us," said Mr Khokhar.

"We are just appalled at what has happened and we are desperate for anyone who might have information to come forward and help us."

The intruders are believed to have forced open metal shutters before cutting a small hole in a window to gain entry to the store in St Stephen's Road.

Once inside, they dodged alarm sensors before snatching a huge quantity of cigarettes, top-up cards and cash.

"When you have taken precautions with shutters and alarms, you just wouldn't think that a break-in could happen in this way," said Mr Khokhar.

Police today said they believed those responsible may be attempting to sell the stolen items in pubs in the West Bowling area.

Investigating officer PC Craig Conway, who confirmed the police have no leads to follow-up at the moment, said the thieves may have local knowledge.

"We suspect that whoever is responsible may have known the lay-out of this shop. They have gone in and managed to dodge the beam of the alarm and targeted certain items," he said.

"We would appeal for anyone who may have information about people who have been selling large quantities of these cigarettes or top-up cards to get in touch with us immediately."

Anyone with information about the raid, which occurred overnight on Saturday, should contact PC Conway at Bradford Central police on (01274) 376459.