A SHOP in Gornal was among a series of stores raided across the Black Country in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday October 21).

Six premises were attacked in little over two hours across by offenders who prised open security shutters before smashing their way inside.

The first report police received was of men attacking shop defences at Saver Express in Clarence Street, Upper Gornal, at 12.45am.

They made off in a Passat having been disturbed by a neighbour.

Other offences followed in Darlaston and Bentley, and Wallbrook Mini Mart, Wallbrook Street, Coseley, was also attacked by men who escaped with money, cigarettes and alcohol.

In another attack at RS News, Willenhall, at 2.10am a silver VW Passat estate car was used to ram open the shutters.

Around 10 minutes later a man was arrested following a failed break-in at a Nisa store in Willenhall.

Officers responding to the raids chased a man down an alleyway before a police dog tracked him and found him hiding in bushes.

The 20-year-old has been released under investigation while enquiries progress.

Detectives believe there were two sets of linked offences – and they are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Julian Hawley said: “In two raids offenders made off with cash, alcohol and cigarettes – but they left largely empty handed in the others.

“We believe there are two groups of offenders, including one that used a silver Passat estate to commit offences.

“That car was used to ram shop shutters so will have suffered rear end damage. If anyone has seen a silver Passat with rear damage I would urge them to get in touch.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat via the force website or call 101, and quote crime reference 20WS/256701Q/20. Alternatively people can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.