A GANG armed with baseball bats have tried to smash their way into Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury.

The group, who were travelling in a white van and two cars including a black Ford Fiesta, attempted to raid the premises on Warrington Road shortly before midnight yesterday, Wednesday. 

Police were deployed to the scene as the group tried to break into the Trespass and Nevisport shop in the centre. 

In an attempt to escape, one of cars ploughed into a police vehicle.

Several men armed with baseball bats threatened an officer at the scene. 

Police say he was left badly shaken and is now being supported by supervising officers.

The driver of the van is believed to have left the scene in a red Volkswagen Golf. 

The van was later discovered abandoned at the car park.

Matthew Bent, managing director of Bents Garden and Home, said: "Sadly we can confirm that there was an attempted raid on our Trespass and Nevisport shop on Wednesday evening. 

"The incident took place at midnight and although it has caused some significant damage to property thankfully no one was hurt. 

"The police were on the scene very quickly and we are cooperating fully with their enquiries."

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 1064 of March 15 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.