Thieves raided a computer store and smashed their way through the wall to steal a haul of toys from the shop next door.

Burglars took the toys and hundreds of pounds in cash after breaking into a building in Seaford High Street.

Police said the culprits forced their way into the building through a rear flat door before climbing through a window into the Red Rooster IT shop. It is not clear if anything was taken from the shop.

They then used a fire extinguisher to smash a hole in the wall of a communal hallway and made their way into the neighbouring Toytown toy shop.

Once inside they stole £900 from the till and a host of Lego and Sylvanian Family toys valued at several thousand pounds.

Darren McGee, 48, who has owned the toyshop for five years, said the burglary “was a bit of an Ocean’s Eleven job” – in reference to the 1960s American heist film where robbers elaborately raided five Las Vegas casinos in one night.

Mr McGee said: “They specifically took Lego and Sylvanian Families because they know how much it is worth. It was a bit of an Ocean’s Eleven job and it’s sick to be honest.

“It is half term and I have children in tears at my door wanting to spend their pocket money but I have to tell them the nasty robbers have taken the toys.“It’s not nice. We’re not having it. We’re not going to bow down to low lives like that and will be back open again tomorrow, albeit with a depleted stock.

“They are not going to get away with it. We are all-eyes on eBay and such places to catch them shifting it on. It is going to be a task for them.”

PC Duncan Ford, of Sussex Police, said it was possible the burglars used a vehicle to remove the new and boxed toys.

He added: “If anybody saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the properties on Sunday evening or overnight, especially at the rear, we would like to hear from them. Did you see a vehicle or anybody carrying boxes of toys?

“If you are offered any new boxed Lego or Sylvanian Toys, or know anybody who has suddenly acquired quantities of them please contact us.”

The burglary happened sometime between 4pm on Sunday and 8.50am on Monday.