A SUPERMARKET in Innerleithen remains closed at lunchtime following a break-in during the early hours of this morning.

Police were called to the Co-op on Peebles Road, Innerleithen, at around 3.15am.

Officers are looking to trace two people in connection with the theft of cigarettes.

And they are now appealing for the assistance in an effort to identify and trace the suspects.

Detective Constable Callum Peoples of Police Scotland CID said: “It is not clear at this stage of our inquiry which way the suspects fled the scene however I would ask anyone who lives in the Peebles Road area and who saw or heard suspicious activity around the time of this theft to get in touch with police immediately.

“A significant number of cigarettes were stolen as a result of this break-in and I again ask members of the public to be vigilant and to come forward if they or someone they know has been approached recently to buy cigarettes on the black market.”

Both suspects were dressed in black clothing and wearing balaclavas with thick jackets.

One wore light-coloured industrial style gloves while they other had thick black gloves and carrying green bags. 

Anyone who has information relevant to the ongoing investigation can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.