RAIDERS struck at a Burnley supermarket - ramming a security manager with a trolley before fleeing empty handed.

The incident happened at Burnley's Asda store when the alarm was raised after a spotty-faced man was seen trying to walk out with goods without paying.

The thief rammed the approaching security man and jumped into a red car, threatening the man with a hypodermic needle before the vehicle sped away.

Police say they believe at least three men were in the car, possibly a D registered Ford Fiesta.

The thief was white, 5ft 11ins and of medium build.

The male driver was white, short and aged 20 to 25 years.

A third man in his 30s , thought to have been used as a distraction in the foyer, was 5ft 10ins, of large build, with crooked teeth and a boxer's nose.

Police say it is possible a fourth man was also involved. Anybody with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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