Thieves made off from an attempted ram raid in the early hours of this morning after trying to break into a SPAR store.

Police were called just after 5am to reports that three men had tried first to ram their way into the SPAR on Blackhorse Street, Blackrod before then trying to saw through the metal bars on the store front.

But they were unsuccessful both in ramming the store and in trying to saw through the shutters and escaped in the van before police arrived on the scene.

A Greater Manchester Police Spokesperson said: “We were called at around 5.07am to reports of three males trying to saw their way through the shutters in front of the SPAR on Blackhorse Street, Blackrod.

“It looks like they were unsuccessful in breaking in.

“They tried to ram through and then they tried to saw through the shutters.

“It doesn’t look like any arrests have been made as yet and the three made off in the van.”

Officers have urged anyone with any information or concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in their communities to call 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.