THE Co-op supermarket in Bewdley high street was ram raided by a transit van in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).

Police received a report of the break-in in Load Street at 1.20am, and officers, a dog handler and a police helicopter were sent to the scene.

The store window had been smashed and the raiders had attempted to remove an ATM machine from inside.

The van fled the scene but, after a short pursuit by police officers, was located on the switch back heading towards Stourport.

Several offenders made off from the van, some using other vehicles nearby, and two on foot.

A police helicopter picked up a heat signature in a nearby field and one of the raiders was found by officers, hiding up a tree.

The driver of the van was arrested at 2.12am and a second suspect was arrested in Great Witley at 4.15am - both on suspicion of burglary.

Inspector Jake Wright, of West Mercia Police, said: "Regrettably, attacks against cash machines are just one of the many challenges faced in policing but with the quick thinking of the public, who called us as soon as they realised something was wrong, we were able to respond and catch two suspects who attempted to leave the area.

"We have seen a trend of Co-op stores being targeted across the region and we’re now able to develop some significant lines of enquiries to not only investigate this matter but potentially many others.

"The suspects will be with us all day today with a view to seeking charges and a remand in custody."