Intruders forced their way into a shop in Wellington before fleeing with thousands of pounds of greetings cards and Easter-related items.

Police said today the culprits climbed stairs to a fire escape door.

They then forced their way into the Card Factory in New Street.

A member of staff who came to open up the shop, at 8.45am on Tuesday, found it had been ransacked.

About £3,500 of cards, more than £1,000 of soft toys and other items, including wedding glasses were taken.

The raiders caused £100 damage to the fire door, about the same damage to an internal door and a similar amount to a cabinet.

Jason Astbury, the firm’s area manager, said today cards had been taken from shelves. He said: “The break-in was found by the store manager. It was pretty trashed upstairs. Most of the cards taken were Easter greetings cards. They took them off the shop floor. A good proportion of the stock was taken.”

Mr Astbury said they were forced to close the shop for about an hour but were open as normal after stock was transferred from other stores. He said security had now been improved.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said they were checking CCTV foot-age and carrying out forensic examinations. He urged anyone with information to call police on 0300 333 3000.