Two town centre shops was targeted by two men overnight.

The Card Factory, Town Square, Basildon was targeted at about 3.30am yesterday.

The store said it could not comment on the incident.

The men also attempted to break into JD Sports and were seen running towards a popuular town park.

Residents took to Facebook to comment about the incident.

The card store was forced to close yesterday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called at around 3.30am yesterday, after two men broke into Card Factory, in Town Square, Basildon.

"The men caused damage to the store after they forced entry to the shop.

"They also tried to gain access to JD Sports before running off towards Gloucester Park.

"We have conducted CCTV enquiries and our investigation continues.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon police station on 101 quoting incident 92 of 15/03 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."