A gang of masked raiders has attacked a Huddersfield store.

And the raid on the Crosland Moor Co-op is the FOURTH in as many weeks on the retail giant’s branches in Huddersfield.

The same thieves have struck twice in Holmfirth and once in Linthwaite prior to this morning’s raids.

Detectives hunting the gang believe they have Manchester links.

And they are liaising with other forces to look at similarities with raids elsewhere.

The Co-op in Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, was closed for a few hours this morning but has now re-opened.

Police and forensics experts were at the scene after the raid was discovered in the early hours.

As in the previous raids, the gang - thought to be wearing motorcycle helmets - attacked the cigarette kiosk and stole a large amount of cigarettes and tobacco.

Det Insp Stef Wiseman, of Huddersfield CID, said: “We believe this is the same gang who were responsible for the raids in both Holmfirth and Linthwaite.“They broke in through a car park door, forcing security shutters to enter the Crosland Moor shop.

“We believe each time they have used a stolen car as a getaway vehicle and we believe they have links with Manchester.

“We are linking all four of these raids and we are now liaising with other forces including Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire to look at similarities in other cases”

It is believed there was an attempted raid at the Crosland Moor store last weekend when thieves were unsuccessful.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food, said: “An incident took place at our Crosland Moor store at around 3:30am this morning (Friday 29 May).

“The store was closed at the time and extensive damage was caused to the door and the kiosk area.

“The store has now re-opened but the local food team would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. We would appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police.”