POLICE have released more details following an armed raid at Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury.

A gang armed with baseball bats tried to smash their way into the garden centre on Warrington Road on Wednesday, March 15.

Police enquiries have uncovered that two cars and a transit van entered the car park shortly before 11pm.

The transit van reversed into window of the Trespass and Nevisport shop, smashing the glass.

The gang then stole a number of expensive outdoor coats.

While fleeing from the scene an officer arrived at the scene in a police car.

The officer attempted to block the path of the transit van from escaping.

One of the group got out of one of the cars and threatened the police officer with a weapon. 

The transit van then ploughed into the back of the police car before driving off from the scene.

The transit van stopped at the A574 junction by the entrance to the garden centre.

At this point, the gang left the van and got into the two other cars before driving off towards Leigh.

The three vehicles involved in the incident are believed to be a white transit van, a white Peugeot 308 and a dark coloured VW Golf.

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

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. 

"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.