TWO men were detained and in handcuffs within 15 minutes of a reported burglary at a grocery shop.

Police were called to reports of a break-in at the East of England Co-op shop in Mersea Road, Colchester just after 1.30pm on Monday, March 4.

Gazette: Burglary - outside the Co-op in Mersea RoadBurglary - outside the Co-op in Mersea Road (Image: Google)

It was reported individuals were attempting to steal alcohol from the premises.

Officers attended the scene and located two men in the area of Napier Road.

Both were detained and in handcuffs by 1.44am and bottles of alcohol and a sum of cash were recovered.

Chief Inspector Colin Cox, Colchester district commander, said: “Attending burglaries is a key priority for my teams in Colchester, as we know this kind of offending has a profound impact on victims.

“In the case of retailers, theft and burglary have a financial impact and cause fear and wider concern to staff and customers.

“The fast response in this case exemplifies our approach to this issue.”

Luke Buxton, 29, of Southway, Colchester has subsequently been charged with burglary.

He has been released on bail until a hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

A 30-year-old man, initially arrested on suspicion of burglary, will face no further action.