Van thieves chased through Rossendale after attempting to smash windscreen of police vehicle with brick

Lancashire Police received several reports of vans being broken into in Rossendale Valley yesterday evening (January 29).

The vehicles targeted contained "high value tools" such as drills and other electrical equipment.

While police conducted a search of the area, officers found a silver Toyota Avensis saloon with a 05 registration plate which they believed the offenders were travelling in.

When officers directed the vehicle to stop, the offenders attacked the police vehicle with a brick in an attempt to smash the windscreen.

A pursuit then ensued through Stacksteads and into Waterfoot.

The vehicle was later found abandoned at the bottom of Cowpe Road, on the car park behind The Hair Boutique in Waterfoot.

Police recovered a large quantity of stolen goods and the vehicle was recovered, but police were unable to track down the offenders.

Forensic enquiries are now ongoing.

A spokesperson for Rossendale Police said: "Whilst carrying out an area search, officers have located the vehicle believed to be carrying the offenders.

"We have initially directed the vehicle to stop at which point the occupants have attacked the police vehicle with a brick in the hope of smashing the windscreen.

"Seconds later a pursuit has ensued through Stacksteads and into Waterfoot where the vehicle was momentarily lost and found abandoned.

"A large quantity of stolen goods and the vehicle was recovered however the occupants were able to evade police on the night.

"Forensic enquiries are currently ongoing in relation to the vehicle.

"The vehicle in question is a Toyota Avensis saloon in silver and it was displaying a 05 plate, the vehicle was abandoned at the bottom of Cowpe Road Waterfoot on the car park behind the hair boutique."

Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone saw any males acting suspiciously at around 9.40pm in the area of Cowpe Road, call Lancashire Constabulary on 101 quoting log number LC- 20200129-1376.