THIEVES smashed open a public payphone to steal cash.

The crooks broke into a BT phone in London Road, Leigh, just after 8.30pm on Wednesday.

A three-figure sum was stolen and police have now appealed for help to catch the thieves.

Pc Adam Hollingworth said: "This offence happened right next to Chalkwell Park, on a busy road, relatively early on in the night, so we’re pretty sure someone would have seen this criminal act being committed, especially passing motorists."

Anyone with information should call Southend police station on 101.