THE owners of a popular Chinese takeaway in Northwich have been left 'heartbroken' after a burglar 'trashed' their premises.

Police were called to After Five Chinese in Station Road at 9.40am on Saturday (February 19) following reports that someone had forced their way into the takeaway earlier that morning.

Posting on Facebook, the takeaway owners said the individual stole a number of items including online ordering tablets and mobiles phones.

They are determined to bounce back stronger following the incident, and have since reopened for business.

The Facebook post read: "We are absolutely heartbroken to say that early hours of this morning, After Five Chinese was broken into and trashed, with items including our online ordering tablets and mobile phones stolen.

"We have always tried our best to go above and beyond for the community – since lockdown we have provided food for families that are struggling, gifted money to food banks, helped over 4,000 children celebrate Chinese New Year and much more.

"To think that one individual has tried to destroy our workplace has made us so disappointed. We have worked so hard.

"However. We will come back stronger than ever. The police are involved and despite the heartless individual thinking that they had bypassed the security systems, we have back up onces in place and they will be caught.

"After Five is more than 'just a Chinese takeaway' to us, we are a family that pulls together when needed and we will not be defeated."

A Cheshire Police spokesman appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

He said: "At around 9.40am on Saturday, February 19, police were called to reports of a burglary at a business premises on Station Road, Northwich.

"The caller reported that an unknown person had forced into the takeaway sometime between 6.40am and 7.40am on February 19.

"Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensics.

"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police at cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, or call 101, quoting IML 1205287.