A newly-opened bar in Liverpool city centre has been ransacked by thieves just weeks after it officially launched.
Two men broke into Hus during the early hours of Sunday morning and stole a safe, takings and a tip jar from the popular Tithebarn Street venue.
Police attended the scene, following the incident which took place shortly after 3am, and are exploring CCTV from the premises and the surrounding area.
Staff at the bar have also launched an appeal on its Facebook page and released an image of a man who may be able to help police with their investigation.
Detective Inspector Phil Mahon said: “This is a small, independent local business and the owner is understandably devastated that it has been targeted.
“It’s shameful that there are people who think it is acceptable to destroy other people’s hard work and enterprise for their own gain and we are determined to bring those responsible before the courts.
“I would appeal to people who may have seen anything suspicious around Tithebarn Street and Tempest Hey in the early hours of Sunday to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“We believe people carrying the safe would have been very noticeable to any passers-by.
“The safe is heavy and it is likely the offenders would have used a vehicle to leave the scene.”
Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.