Burglars led police on a car chase through leafy Cheshire before ditching their Audi and making an escape on foot in Runcorn.
Cheshire Constabulary said the pursuit began after officers received reports shortly before 11pm that intruders had forced their way in to Chatwins Bakery on Norley Road in Cuddington last night.
They fled in a black Audi S3 Quattro, which police first spotted on the A49 Warrington Road.
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Pursuing officers tried to stop the car but it made off at speed towards Runcorn through Norley and Frodsham.
A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman said it was found near Beechwood Avenue in Runcorn.
There was no trace of the suspects.
A helicopter was deployed to the area as part of the search late last night.
The ECHO visited the area this morning, where a resident who asked not to be named said they heard the car came to rest on a back path behind Whinfell Grove.
This was in addition to an initial report from a Beechwood resident who said the car stopped or crashed on Whinfell Grove, and that the search involved police dogs.
One householder told the ECHO the flashing blue lights from the search through their window kept them awake.
Another heard the helicopter but saw or heard nothing else.
Police have appealed for witnesses, dashcam and any other footage of the Audi.
Detective Constable Paul Matchett said: “Enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing and we are committed to doing all we can to trace those responsible.
“As part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who was in Cuddington at time of the incident and believes they may have any information which may aid our investigation.
“The same goes for anyone in the Beechwood area of Runcorn who believes they may have seen the offenders fleeing the area after they abandoned the Audi near Beechwood Avenue.
“We would also like to hear from anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage of the burglary, or the offenders fleeing the scene in Beechwood.”
Anyone with any information should call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1027168, or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ .
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
