Mowers, strimmers and chainsaws worth around £20,000 have been stolen from a gardening firm.

Cutting Edge Mower Services in Marley Road, Battle, was broken into last night and police believe the thieves drove off in the firm's white Merecedes van with the equipment in the back.

Twenty mowers, 12 strimmers and five chainsaws were taken from the unit off the A21.

Workshop manager Paul Levett could not believe it when he went into work this morning.

He said: "It is our entire stock, that is pretty much everything gone. We think the burglary took place sometime between 11pm and 1am in the morning.

"The police have been round and dusted for fingerprints but we think they may have worn gloves.

"We are the only agents for some of those mowers so they are quite unique in this area.

"We have not had anything like this before, just a few broken windows on the van in the past."

He said the firm, which employs three people, would step up the security.

The mowers are mainly made by Ibea, Garden Master and Hayters.

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information about the break-in or the location of the van is asked to contact PC Julian Stokes at Hastings police on 0845 6070999.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, thieves made off with valuable jewellery and cash after breaking into a house.

The property in Mutton Hall Lane, Heathfield, was burgled between 2.30pm and 4pm yesterday.

The thieves stole a black and white jewellery box, a small quantity of money and a ladies Rolex watch.

The box contains a gold ring, with an opal and a cluster of diamonds.

Police urged jewellers to be on the look out for anyone trying to sell high value pieces.