A haul of women's designer handbags worth more than £140,000 was stolen by thieves.

The Marc Jacobs designer bags were in a lorry parked at the Burnt Mills Industrial estate when the thieves struck.

They were destined for a London store.

The culprits slashed the side curtains of the vehicle, causing £1,000 damage, before helping themselves to the red and blue leather handbags, which are sold for around £1,000 and small purses which cost £200 in the shops.

The haul also included Moschino fan-style catalogues.

Acting Insp Mark Rayner of Basildon police urged anyone with information about the thefts or who is offered a bag matching the descriptions at a knock down price to contact police.

He said: "Many of these were exclusive items were bound for a store at the upper end of the market in central London.

"These items will undoubtedly crop up somewhere and we would ask anyone who spots them to get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Det Con Ian Howitt or PC Matt Hillier on 01268 532212.