RAM raiders stole a large haul of tools after crashing a car into a motoring accessories business.

The thieves removed anti-ram security bollards from outside the front of the premises of Factor 1 Ltd on the Burnden Industrial Estate. A car was then driven through the roller door.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the raid at 10.45pm last night at the firm off Manchester Road.

Det Con Barry Coombes of the Operational Policing Unit, said: "The workshop owners are still checking for damage and to work out exactly what has been stolen, but in the meantime I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this burglary in get in touch.

"The tools are used for working on vehicles and if anyone is offered tools of this nature in suspicious circumstances, they are also asked to get in touch.

"We do not know how many people were involved in this incident or what type of vehicle they used to break through the doors, but anyone who saw anything unusual in the area of the Burnden Industrial Estate last night is asked to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to ring CID at Bolton on 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."