POLICE are hunting masked raiders who threatened police officers with crowbars and rammed their squad car.

The three men, suspected of an attempted burglary at Gargrave Co-op, in the early hours of Monday, are described as dangerous.

They escaped after a high-speed chase through South Craven and Keighley.

During the pursuit, a tyre and jack were thrown at the officers, and thieves reversed into the police car.

Detective Inspector Mick Moore, of Skipton CID, said: "I have a team of detectives investigating this incident, which is clearly a serious matter.

"The people involved obviously have no regard for the law, and I would advise the public not to approach these men as they are dangerous."

The drama began at 3.20am when officers in a patrol car heard an alarm sounding at the Co-op, in High Street, Gargrave.

They saw a black VW Golf parked outside, containing three men. The officers gave chase when it sped off towards Skipton.

At Kildwick roundabout, the thieves threw a tyre at the pursuing officers, and police say the Golf then sped over the level crossing at about 80mph.

Outside Steeton's Airedale Hospital, the offenders made another attempt to shake off their pursuers, by throwing a jack at their car.

The thieves were then clocked doing more than 100mph between Steeton and Keighley, before speeding through the town centre and up Halifax Road. Police lost them in Denholme.

Det Insp Moore added: "They stopped several times and threatened violence towards the officers. At one point, two men got out, wearing ski masks and carrying crowbars."

They threw the crowbars at the police car before driving off again.

At another point, the offenders reversed into the police car, causing damage to both vehicles.

Det Insp Moore added: "No-one was injured during the incident, and as yet no-one has been arrested."

It has since transpired that the the Golf was stolen in Hale, Cheshire, last Thursday, and was found abandoned in Oxenhope on Tuesday. It is now undergoing forensic tests.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact us. We would like to hear from anyone who saw the occupants near the Co-op or around the Gargrave area, or who witnessed their escape," said Det Insp Moore.

"I can assure you all information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone who can help should telephone Skipton Police on 01423 539712, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.