POLICE are investigating after a Land Rover was driven into a shop and then set on fire in Sale.

Shortly after 1am this morning, officers were called to the Co-op in Brooklands.

When emergency services arrived they found that a green Land Rover Discovery had been deliberately reversed into the shop front.

Firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze, which has caused significant damage to the front of the store.

Police believe the Land Rover was stolen and the offenders deliberately used it to damage the shutters before burgling the shop, and then set the car on fire and fled the scene.

There were no reports of any injuries and police are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Inspector John Harris of South Manchester division said: “We believe the Land Rover was stolen and the offenders used it to smash the shop shutters in a bid to get inside.

“Using a vehicle to cause significant damage to the shop, and then setting it alight, is very serious. It is just fortunate that no-one was outside the shop at the time, as the consequences could have been severe.

“I would urge anybody who saw a green Land Rover in the Brooklands area at that time or has any information about the incident to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call police at Wythenshawe on 0161 856 4882, the GMP non-emergency number, 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.