A POLICE helicopter was launched in a bid to search for burglars who broke into a popular Northwich bakery last night (Thursday).

Officers are asking for witnesses to come forward and for any video footage following the burglary at Chatwins Bakery in Cuddington.

Shortly before 11pm on Thursday, July 1 police were called to reports that unknown offenders had forced entry into the bakery on Norley Road.

The offenders had then fled the scene in a black Audi S3 Quattro.

Police were dispatched to the area and a short time later the vehicle was spotted on the A49, Warrington Road.

Officers attempted to stop the car, but the vehicle made off at speed, travelling towards Runcorn through Norley and Frodsham.

The car was subsequently found abandoned on Beechwood Avenue in the Beechwood area of Runcorn.

Officers, supported by the police helicopter, conducted a search of the area but were unable to find any trace of the suspects.

Detective Constable Paul Matchett from Northwich Proactive CID said: "Enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing and we are committed to doing all we can to trace those responsible.

"As part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who was in Cuddington at time incident and believes they may have any information which may aid our investigation.

"The same goes for anyone in the Beechwood area of Runcorn who believes they may have seen the offenders fleeing the area after they abandoned the Audi on Beechwood Avenue.

"We would also like to hear from anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage of the burglary, or the offenders fleeing the scene in Beechwood."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1027168, or visit cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.