TRADERS received a ‘kick in the teeth’ after Darwen Market was broken into.

The thieves caused damage and stole stock, delaying opening to customers the next day.

A police investigation has now been launched to try to track down the suspected thieves.

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Gwen Sangster, markets operations manager, said: “It is a real shame that anyone could act in this way, and is a real blow to our traders who were affected by the break-in, both directly and due to the market having to open late the following day. We are working with police in their investigations and are hopeful that those responsible will be found.”

Jake Berry, Darwen’s Conservative MP, and Will Straw, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the town, said they would be asking how security could be improved.

Mr Straw said: “It was concerning to hear that Darwen market was broken into late on Monday evening.

“Traders work incredibly hard and this is a real kick in the teeth for all of those who were affected. As well as the damage and theft, the market opening was delayed yesterday which was an inconvenience to shoppers and traders alike.

“This latest offence is particularly galling as I took police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw around Darwen market earlier this year with the local constabulary to discuss crime in the market with a number of traders.

“I understand that there were some issues with the security arrangements and I’m investigating these with the council. But the good news is that the police are pursuing an investigation.”

Anybody with information should call police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20150324-0095 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.