Fourteen thousand bottles of champagne worth almost £200,000 have been stolen from a Colchester warehouse.

Police are looking for anyone who has been sold the Moet et Chandon at knock down prices.

A team of burglars made off with the expensive bubbly after forcing their way into the warehouse on an industrial estate.

They would have needed a large lorry or many trips in a car or van to offload the bottles, packed six at a time in more than 2,000 cases.

Detectives believe it could have been stolen to order for a major millennium event, possibly to be held in London.

Or the thieves could be cashing in on the predicted shortage of champagne over the New Year period by creating a stockpile that can be sold at black market prices.

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police, said: "It is the sort of thing that is going to be in great demand for the millennium and we want to hear from anyone who has been offered it."

Police have been asked not to release the location of the warehouse.

Anyone who has been offered a bottle in suspicious circumstances or can help police should Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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