THE CO-OP convenience store in Scholes was targeted in a ram raid in the early hours of yesterday.

The incident left the shop on Westfield Lane extensively damaged but staff worked hard to get it open again by lunchtime.

It is not clear what was stolen in the raid at 4am in which the raiders smashed down the back door.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "West Yorkshire police are investigating a burglary at a commercial premises on Westfield Lane in Scholes in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The Scholes store is the latest Co-op in the district to be targeted.

Just last weekend the Wilsden branch became the fourth store to be raided by axe-wielding robbers in 17 days.

Armed robbers burst into the Royd Street shop at 8.30pm and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Wibsey's Co-Op was the first to be raided on March 7, followed by the Queensbury shop on March 19 and the Denholme shop 48 hours later.

All were carried out by men with axes, who stole cash and cigarettes.

Co-ops in the district have also be targeted in the past by ram raiders who tried to steal the ATMs.