Raiders led police on a 65-mile high-speed chase through Wolverhampton today after using heavy cutters to try to steal a cash point machine.

A five-strong gang in a white van struck at the Murco Service Station in Spring Hill at midnight.

But they triggered an alarm and fled empty-handed when officers arrived on the scene within minutes, sparking a pursuit by traffic police, specialist dogs and the force helicopter.

Three men, aged 33, 38 and 40, from Fordhouses, Wednesfield and Bilston respectively, were arrested in nearby Hollybush Lane on suspicion of attempted theft. Two others escaped in an Audi and were chased at high speeds for 65 miles through Willenhall and Wednesfield.

Officers then made two arrests at an address in Lathe Court, Wednesfield.

A 33-year-old man from Wednesfield, who was found hiding under a bed, was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop and theft of a motor vehicle.

A 25-year-old from The Scotlands was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.

All five remained in custody this afternoon and were being questioned by detectives.

Police were today carrying out forensic examinations at the service station in Warstones Road.

The portable cash point was cordoned off but the garage itself was open for business.

Cashier Khawaja Waqas, aged 22, told how he was alerted to the raid when he arrived to open the garage at 6am.

“I was shocked when I arrived to open the shutters and police said someone had tried to take the cash machine.”

By Shaun Jepson