The masked trio caused thousands of pounds of damage when they drove through the front of Bargain Booze in Conway Drive, Fulwood, Preston, in the early hours of Saturday.

Neighbours heard a loud bang at 4.36am and some peered out their windows to see three figures running into the shop.

Today, police were hunting the gang who stole the green Vauxhall Vectra from a house in Ingol, Preston, hours before the raid.

Det Sgt John Crichton, from Preston CID, said: "I don't think it was professional - I think they just wanted some beer.

"There was extensive damage to the shop - they drove the car right into the window to give themselves enough access to run into the place and run out again."

At 5.10am, the damaged car was discovered in Walker Lane, Ingol, with the headlights still on and one of the doors open.

He said: "If there was anybody who wasn't sleeping too well at that time, they may have seen this car being abandoned."

He said the car had been stolen from a driveway during a burglary at a house in Ingol some time after 11pm on Friday.

The offenders are thought to be aged 18-25, and wearing black clothing and balaclava masks.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Preston Police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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