Police attacked with batons following ramraid at Wirral supermarket

Officers were called to the Co-operative store in Manor Drive, Upton, at around 2.35am following reports a Landrover had been driven into its shutters.

The vehicle was then purposely driven into a police car and three or four men got out and attacked the car with batons. No officers were injured during the incident.

The robbers gained access to an ATM  and made off with cash

The Landrover was found nearby in Church Road a short time later and has been recovered for forensic examination by crime scene investigators.

Detective Inspector Paul Parry said: "This was a particularly determined and violent attack and we are working hard to identify and trace the offenders responsible for this crime.

"Forensic examinations of the scene and the Landrover are being carried out and CCTV from the area is being examined.

"We also believe that a dark coloured Audi and a third car, not further described, were used in the robbery and we would urge anyone who may have seen these cars parked up, or being driven erratically in the area to call us.

"Thankfully no officers were injured during this attack however this incident highlights the danger that police officers can find themselves faced with.

"This was an audacious attack on a business that provides a valuable service to the local community, compounded by an attack on the officers that attended to deal with incident.

"These offenders clearly have no consideration for anyone but themselves and I'm sure the community would agree that they need to be brought to justice.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Wirral CID on 0151 777 2264 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A nearby householder said: "I heard a loud bang and at first thought it was just teenagers causing trouble.

"I looked out of the window and saw about four people outside the buidling.

"This Co-op has been robbed before, but nothing as bad as this."