THIEVES carried out a brazen booze raid in the middle of the night at a Greenock supermarket.

They struck at the Lidl store on Customhouse Way after dark, smashing windows to gain access to the premises and steal alcohol.

The break-in took place just a hundred yards or so away from the town's police station.

Officers are now investigating the raid and have appealed for any witnesses to get in touch.

The incident caused disruption for shoppers, as the store had to be temporarily closed down due to the damage caused.

One customer said: "It is annoying that a busy shop had to be closed because of idiots like this.

"It's disgraceful to see people causing mindless damage like that just to get their hands on some drink."

The store was shut all yesterday morning, eventually reopening around lunchtime after repairs had been carried out.

It's understood that security staff were alerted by an alarm going off, with two windows smashed by the intruders.

Greenock police confirmed that a quantity of alcohol had been stolen from the shop.

Store management posted a notice on the front door to inform customers that the premises were closed until further notice.

Anyone with information about the break-in should contact the police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.