A cordon is in place in Basildon town centre this morning after an alleged ram raid at a pawnbrokers. 

Ramsdens Pawnbrokers, in Town Square, has been cordoned off by police and a police car has been positioned outside the business after the incident at roughly 5am. 

The front of the pawnbrokers has been severely damaged and the business remains closed. 

(Image: Newsquest)Workers based in the town centre confirmed the cordon has been in place for several hours already. 

At this stage it is unclear what was stolen during the incident however Essex Police has been contacted for comment.

(Image: Newsquest)Pictures from the scene show the shutters and shopfront have been severely damaged and appear to have been rammed open.

Essex Police have been contacted for comment. 

More to follow