THIEVES broke into an organic farm shop in rural Worcestershire and trashed the store, leaving thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Worcestershire farmer Will Edmonds was in shock when he arrived at his family shop, Roots at Rushwick, yesterday morning to find eggs smashed, fruit and vegetables sprayed with vinegar, milk bottles slashed, and £1,000 worth of local produce stolen.

The culripts, who broke through a breeze block wall to gain access overnight, also flooded the floor with 25 litres of cleaning fluid and washing-up liquid.

“We just don’t understand why someone would do this,” said Mr Edmonds.

“I can almost understand someone breaking in to steal, but why would someone go to the trouble of making so much mess?

“They’ve smashed eggs in the till and poured vinegar in the bird seed. The level of the damage is confusing and really quite upsetting for everyone.”

Staff spent yesterday cleaning and salvaging what they could, whilst serving customers.

Mr Edmonds and his wife Meg sell produce from their farm and goods from other local farmers at the store in Rushwick, near Worcester.

The attack happened between 5.30pm on Monday and 7am yesterday. Those responsible stole £1,000 of cheese, meat and frozen ready meals and caused another £1,000 of damage.

A spokesman for West Mercia police appealed for people with information to call 0300 3333000 (reference 92-S-251108) and added that consumers should be wary of buying produce from unusual outlets.