DRAMATIC footage shows ram-raiders smashing their way into a builder's merchants in Heaton before they later escaped in a high-speed police chase.

The thieves cut the bolt on the front gate of Buildbase in Bentinck Street on Sunday night and drove a white Ford Transit van into the yard.

Two men were spotted near the van, which was then driven repeatedly into metal shutters so the raiders could force their way inside.

Eyewitnesses said the alarms sounded, but the thieves seemed unperturbed, proceeding to load the van with large items, thought to be building machinery.

Police were called at about 10.30pm but the van had left by the time they arrived.

However, officers caught up with the van in Bury Road, Breightmet, and chased it for a period, before it was lost in traffic.

The van, which was stolen, was later found abandoned in a caravan park in Hall Lane, Farnworth. The machinery had been removed.

After hearing the bangs and calling police, a quick-thinking neighbour filmed the drama.

The man, who asked not to be named, said: "I live in a top floor apartment opposite and heard some bangs. It sounded like something hitting a metal shutter.

"I looked and saw this huge white van opposite. I didn't think it was a break-in at first. They seemed really casual and must have been there at least 10 of 15 minutes.

"It was quite shocking to see unfold just outside your house. I've been here for nearly four years.

"What struck me was that there are shutters all round the building and they rammed a particular one, so they may have known what they were after."

Police are yet to identify the items stolen.

The van was lost in the Long Lane area of Breightmet, after police called off the chase for safety reasons given the build-up of traffic.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to a break-in at Buildbase on Sunday, with two men seen with a Ford Transit van.

"The raiders filled the van up and left before we gave chase towards Bury.

"They lost the pursuing police in traffic near Long Lane.

"Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Buildbase have been contacted for a comment.