A GANG armed with hammers and crowbars broke into a supermarket — stealing £7,000 of cigarettes before fleeing police.

At least four men, all wearing balaclavas, forced their way into Morrisons in Harwood at 1.30am yesterday — triggering alarms in the store.

They fled in a grey Vauxhall Vivaro van when officers arrived at the scene — throwing items at police cars which chased them towards Breightmet before losing the thieves.

Terrified staff on a night shift were working in the store but did not come into contact with the men.

It is understood that at least six staff were on duty at the time and that they managed to escape through a fire exit.

The men forced the locked double doors at the front of the store before making straight for the cigarette kiosk.

They took three trolleys of cigarettes and wheeled them back out of the store to the waiting van.

Disturbed by police, they were forced to flee with one trolley still unloaded.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North neighbourhood policing team, said: "This raid has left staff terrified and it is imperative that we catch the perpetrators as soon as possible.

"These men had armed themselves and were clearly intent on stealing from the store regardless of any potential opposition they might face. It is a blessing that none of the staff came into direct contact with them.

"The staff were working long night shifts so that the store was stocked up for the benefit of the local community.

"We are urging anyone who might have any information to get in touch with us.

"If you were in the vicinity of the store at that time or saw a van driving quickly, please get in touch.

"Likewise, if you hear of cigarettes being sold you think may have come from this raid, or you know who was involved, let us know immediately."

Police followed the van down Longsight Lane then South Drive before losing the raiders. The vehicle was last seen driving towards the Breightmet area.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: "We can confirm that a burglary took place at the store last night. We are assisting the police with their enquiries.”

Police believe that at least four offenders were involved, and all were wearing dark tracksuits, dark shoes and balaclavas, and carrying hammers and crowbars.

The store opened as usual yesterday and the front entrance was not damaged by the raid.

One shopper, who asked not to be named, said: "I only live a few streets away and come at lease once a week.

"It just shows things like this can happen anywhere really. I hope the police catch them quickly and the staff have not been affected too much."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.