Officers were alerted just before 1.30am when the alarms went off.

One man was wearing what looked like a ventilation mask, two were wearing balaclavas and the last two were not able to be described from the CCTV footage viewed by the police.

Investigating officers said a white Travis Perkins building sack was being dragged around the floor by one of the thieves which is believed to contain the stolen cigarettes and alcohol.

The quantity is not yet known.

The man who was wearing the mask was wearing dark blue jeans and a grey or dark green hooded top.

One of the men wearing a black balaclava was wearing dark blue jeans, a dark blue coat which had white bands around the arms and white trainers.

The other man was also wearing a black balaclava, light grey or light blue jeans and a brown, possibly leather jacket.

All men were of slim build.

Police think there is a possibility an S-registration Sierra and a car with the prefix GU51 were used by the gang to get away.

Anyone who has any information should call Steyning Police on 0845 6070999.

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