Guitars worth several thousand pounds were stolen by raiders in a music shop smash and grab in Merstham.

Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for information into the break-in at Newtons Music in Merstham High Street.

The raiders struck at around 1.40am on Tuesday (March 11), smashing the shop's front window.

The two culprits swiped four guitars and were seen fleeing in the direction of The Feathers Hotel.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: “We believe this was a targeted offence with the guitars either being taken for the offenders’ personal use, or stolen to order.”

She said: “We are appealing to anyone in the music industry who may have heard about the break-in, or who has their suspicions around someone they know who may have suddenly come into possession of such instruments, to contact officers with information.”

She said it is believed the two offenders were black males - one described as having afro hair and being of stocky build.

He was wearing a light coloured top and dark coloured bottoms.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference P14070949. Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.