A SPECIAL police squad is hunting ram-raiders who are making life a misery for Leigh and Atherton town centre shop-keepers (writes Malcolm Ryding).

Several shops have been hit in Bradshawgate by early morning raiders who have stolen thousands of pounds of designer fashions and leisure-wear.

Now a 16-strong squad has set-up a night-time operation to catch the raiders.

Supt Malcolm Howells, head of Leigh Police, would give no details of the operation apart from saying: "This is part of an on-going series of operations in Leigh and Atherton to apprehend these criminals."

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