villagers attempted to block the path of ramraiders who burgled a shop in Grassington this week.

Members of the public piled up picnic tables outside The Devonshire Hotel on Main Street to try to stop the thieves who stole thousands of pounds of clothing from Country Concepts on Wednesday.

But the raiders just drove through the barricade, with two people being injured.

One woman had to fling herself out of the way of the getaway car but received a glancing blow, and a second bystander was hurt by flying debris.

Another resident blocked the road with his Vauxhall Cavalier car but the ramraiders smashed into that too.

Det Insp Neil Thewsey said: "The raiders were in a silver Mitsubishi coup, stolen from Harrogate, and when the police tried to stop them they attacked the police car with baseball bats.

"Many of the witnesses who came out were also threatened with baseball bats. It was a very nasty incident. The men were obviously very determined."

The thieves were last seen making their way to Leeds after a police chase.

Det Insp Thewsey added the police would like to thank all the members of public for their efforts. Any other witnesses with information should contact DC Peter Elliott on 01756 793377.

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