Ram raiders smashed through bollards and metal shutters into the front of a Black Country supermarket today, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The raiders are believed to have used a 4×4 vehicle to break into Nisa Extra, in Stroud Avenue, Willenhall, just before 5am.

Manager Daniel Vukelic said although they managed to get through the doors they had fled empty-handed.

Bollards set up to prevent ram raids at the Brackendale Shopping Centre, which houses the Nisa store, failed to thwart the attack.

Police were called to the scene, at the shop which used to be a Spar shop, after the alarm was raised by the store’s security company.

Mr Vukelic said: “Everyone is fine. I had a phone call at 4.45am from the alarm company. They haven’t managed to take anything – I think they may have been put off by the alarm. It looks like they wasted their time.”

Staff were on hand at around 7am to help with the clean-up. 

West Midlands Police spokesman Steve Geary said police were called at 4.39am. “They left in a silver coloured car, possibly a Subaru. Police are investigating.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call West Midlands Police on 0845 1135000 and ask for Willenhall CID.