FIRE crews were called to open up a Huddersfield store - after fears a burglar was trapped inside.

Police confirmed raiders targeted the petrol station shop in Fenay Bridge to make off with cigarettes.

The incident happened at 3.10am this morning when police were called to the Texaco and Co-op premises in Penistone Road.

The fire crews were called two hours later to check suspects hadn’t inadvertently become stuck inside the Co-op store.

Crews from Huddersfield arrived and used cutting equipment to allow entry.

Huddersfield Watch Commander Chris Bell said: “We responded to a call at 5am to assist police who were responding to a break in at the Co-op in Penistone Road.

“It is believed people may have still been inside the shop and we assisted removing a roller shutter with specialist equipment.

“We then left police to continue their investigation.”

Texaco station and the Co-op shop in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield
Texaco station and the Co-op shop in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield

But police have since confirmed no-one was trapped inside and an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.

Officers cordoned off the premises following the burglary during which cigarettes were stolen.

A spokesperson for the Co-operative said: “The robbery took place in the early hours of September 2 when the petrol station was closed.

It re-opened at 10 am this morning and it is understood a quantity of cigarettes was taken.”

The latest incident follows three burglaries at other Co-op stores in recent weeks - two at the Holmfirth store and a third in Linthwaite.

In all three incidents men prised open the metal shutters before smashing the glass to the front display window to get inside.

They then made their way to the checkout area and smashed open the cigarette cabinet before making off with their haul of cigarettes and tobacco.

Police are yet to confirm whether the incidents are linked.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact police on 101.