A TOWN centre bar was forced to shut its doors for the day following a break-in at the popular drinking establishment.

Owner Steven Seanor, who runs Hernando's Hideaway on Sankey Street with his wife Jenna, has spoken of his shock following the raid on Wednesday, August 12.

The bar was targeted between the hours of midnight and 11am, leaving behind a trail of destruction and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The 30-year-old, who opened the bar in April, said: "I could not believe it when I walked in.

“There were kitchen knives and utensils everywhere ­– they had been used to smash up the fruit machine and open the till.

"When I first realised what had happened I just walked around the bar in the shock and then called the police.

"We had to close for the day to clean up the mess that was left behind.

"We had just started serving food the week before so it was really bad timing for us to lose a full day's trading as a small business."

Police have since launched an investigation into the break-in after around £400 was stolen from the till.

An amount of cash was also taken from the fruit machine but the exact figure is not yet known.

It is believed those involved in the break-in entered the premises by smashing a hole in the roof and climbing through the loft.

Mr Seanor has urged other small businesses and members of the public to be vigilant in the wake of the break-in.

He said: "I know other businesses that have also been broken into.

"If anyone can help I would ask them to call the police so we catch those involved.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.