RAM-raiders used a stolen 4x4 to smash a gaping hole in the front of a Farnworth petrol station – but fled empty handed.

A gang of four men targeted Gulf filling station, at the junction of Harrowby Street and Heaton Avenue, shortly before 1.30am this morning.

They used a silver Mitsubishi Pajero or Shogun, which was stolen on Friday in Darcy Lever, to smash a gaping hole in the front of the building.

They then attempted to steal money from the cash machine before fleeing empty handed.

Police believe the men behind the attack also carried out another ram raid which took place in Salford just hours before.

The owner of the petrol station, who did not wish to be named, said the attack has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building, which employs five people.

The man, who has owned the garage since 2006, said: “We do not believe they managed to take any money, but until police have completed their investigations we will not know for definite.

“I have been told there is a possibility the building could have to be condemned because there could be serious structural damage.

“They were definitely targeting the cash machine on the wall. They knew where it is, so they must have been inside the garage before.

“It is very depressing. I have never had anything like this happen before.

“The cash machine never had much money in it anyway, but now the damage has already been done.”

IPH Motors, a mechanic business attached to the petrol station, was also damaged in the raid.

Several neighbours who heard the noise rushed out of their homes – confronting and chasing the men – but were unable to stop the gang from escaping.

The gang ran away on foot down Heaton Avenue, turning right onto Reed Close. Seconds later a dark-coloured saloon car containing two of the men sped away from Reed Close towards St Germain Street.

The other two men are believed to have fled on foot in the direction of New Bury.

The gang’s lookout was described as 6ft 1in tall, of a slim build and aged 18 or 19. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood up and had a black and white bandana across his face.

The other men were described as in their early to mid twenties and all wearing dark trousers. One had a high visibility vest on, one was wearing a grey top and one was completely in black.

They all had local accents. There were CCTV cameras in place inside the garage and police are investigating the footage.

Police believe the 4x4 used in the raid was stolen after 5pm on Friday, August 7 from a service station in Hacken Lane, Darcy Lever.

Detective Sergeant Tony Lunt, from the Bolton division, said: “The offenders used a Mitsubishi Shogun to smash the shop wall multiple times but they did not manage to steal anything.

“It is fortunate no one was outside the shop when the 4x4 rammed it, as the consequences could have been severe.

“I would urge anybody who saw a silver Shogun in the Farnworth area at that time, or saw four men fleeing the scene, to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.