POLICE are hunting ram-raiders who smashed through the front of the town’s Co-op store risking ‘their lives and the police officers’ lives’ in their attempt to escape.

The incident took place in the early hours of this morning, shortly after midnight.

Watch footage from the scene here:

Despite Dorset Police originally stating that a large quantity of cash was stolen, Bridport Police Inspector Mike Darby has confirmed today the thieves fleed empty handed.

Even though extensive damage was caused to the store, it is still open with customers being directed through side doors.

The news of the ram raid comes after the store was hit in the same way when thieves tried to raid the store for the cash machine in October 2011.

The incident also follows a ram raid at a garage in Maiden Newton back in April when thieves caused more than £20,000 worth of damage.

On April 8, a cash machine was also stolen from a holiday park in Charmouth, with police believing the thieves had used a stolen car to carry out the raid.

And on March 30, a post office in Mosterton was ram raided, with thieves targeting an ATM but were unsuccessful.

Police claim the cash machine in the co-op store contained tens of thousands of pounds.

Bridport PC Nigel Case, who was on scene this morning, told The News: “Just after midnight we had a call from a member of the public who heard a loud noise.

“Off the back of that we were able to be on scene within minutes and consequently got behind the vehicle which had ram raided the store.

“The vehicle was seen leaving the scene and was followed by our police vehicle.

“The vehicle reversed into the police car and damaged it before one passenger in the vehicle threw a disc cutter at the police car.

“Following this, the vehicle drove into a dead end at a left hand turning near the Lidl store in Bridport and the passengers in the car then decamped from the vehicle and ran off on foot.

"There were possibly four offenders, who we believe to all be male."

PC Case added that because the ram raid created so much noise late at night, it was likely to have woken nearby residents up who may be able to help with police enquiries.

He said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this incident. I would strongly urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact Dorset Police on 101.”