Burglars who endangered the lives of innocent road users in Helston by allegedly slashing the tyres on three police response vehicles "should be condemned," according to officers investigating the case.

The reckless vandals are suspected to have carried out the crime at around the same time as a burglary which took place at the Co-operative supermarket on Trengrouse Way, at 11.18pm on Sunday, April 24.

It is believed that two men wearing gloves and with their face covered broke into the store and subsequently the tobacco kiosk and stole the contents. They were driving a dark hatchback.

It was also discovered that the tyres on three police response vehicles were slashed.

Police Sergeant Mark Cooper, neighbourhood team leader for Falmouth and Helston, said: “We are currently working under the belief that the slashing of the response vehicles tyres is linked to the burglary. Officers trying to do their lawful duty were placed at direct risk by this reckless and targeted vandalism, an act of sabotage that could not only have resulted in a tragedy for the officers involved and their families, but could also have resulted in the death of other innocent road users.

“Those responsible for this act have shown a total disregard for the safety of others, placing financial gain over lives, and should be condemned for it.”

If anyone witnessed either incident or can help police with their enquiries, please call 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting police log 866 for the 24th April. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.