The landlord of a Chrishall pub has said it was “gut-wrenching” to see the thieves captured on CCTV as they burgled his premises at the weekend.

Toby Didier’Serre, who has run The Red Cow in High Street for almost eight years with partner Alexis, said his staff locked up as normal on Friday night.

He told the Crow: “I came in at roughly 8.45am on Saturday morning and noticed the till had gone.

“I immediatley went to the office and got the laptop to view the CCTV saw the manager had locked up properly, and went through hour by hour to see what had happened.

“I saw two people taking stuff from the bar and saw them outside for about half an hour before they got in. One had his face half covered, the other didn’t.

“I felt sick knowing that people have been in and can walk out with stuff you walk hard for, it’s all replaceable, and no one was hurt which is the main thing.

“The chef who was asleep upstairs didn’t hear anything. The burglars moved the cameras at the rear of the property, whether they thought the front ones were dummy ones I don’t know.

“They were inside for five minutes behind the bar having a good look round, they took the till, spirits, cigarettes, tobacco and an iPhone. I don’t know if they’ve been in previously and had a drink to check the place out.

“We’re having bulding work done, and they cut the hose pipe that goes to the builders’ office for their drinking water, it looks like they were trying to steal oil, but that’s just an assumption.”

Forensics came out on Saturday, so Toby and Alexis had to close until 5pm on Saturday – costing them three-quarters of a day’s business.

“We’re annoyed and angry. Everyone in the village is very sorry that it has happened, and they are concerned because we are a small community. There have been other burglaries that we know of.

“It could be people going round the villages. Whether they think we are easier targets because we’re rural, I’m not sure, but everybody comes together and helps each other if anything like this does happen.

“It’s gut-wrenching even when you watch it back on CCTV two people who decided to get in and take what’s not theirs – what is a result of my hard work.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman for said: “We have been made aware of a burglary from the Red Cow pub in High Street, Chrishall.

“It is believed that the incident took place at around 3.40am on Saturday, July 14.

“A cigarette and tobacco cabinet worth a three-figure sum was taken, as well as a four-figure sum of cash.

“Officers are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact the Uttlesford Local Policing Team by calling 101 and quoting reference number 42/99994/18.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”