RAM raiders fled empty handed after attempting to smash their way into a Horwich camping shop last night.

Four or five men using two vehicles, a stolen BMW and the other believed to be an Audi Quattro, were involved in the raid on Rivington Camping at Chorley New Road at about 11pm.

The incident was witnessed by several people and one of them was chased by one of the raiders brandishing a golf club. All the men, who were wearing dark clothing, then drove off towards the Salford area. A man was later arrested.

A police spokesman said nothing was stolen but £1,500 worth of damage was caused to the premises. It is the second time in a few months that the shop has been targetted.

He said there had been a very good response from the public with police receiving about six calls from local residents.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.