A food store in Newcastle has been left with "significant damage" after being ram-raided early this morning (Friday, February 23). 

Heron Foods, on Church Walk, in the Walker area of Newcastle, was broken into around 1.50 am this morning. 

It was reported that a vehicle had been driven into the front of the store to gain entry.

Several people then got out of the vehicle inside the premises before making off from the scene empty-handed.

Officers from Northumbria Police attended but the offenders had already left by the time of police arrival.

A full investigation has now been launched into the incident, and police are asking for any witnesses to contact them.

They have issued images of the white Vauxhall Vivaro van, with the registration EY06 VLV that they are particularly keen to trace. 

The van has four distinctive diamond square logos on the bodywork. The vehicle was seen in the area at the time the burglary was reported to have taken place.

Inspector Craig Patchett, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our investigation into the burglary is very much ongoing – with officers reviewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses and working hard to establish exactly what has happened.

“This is a very concerning report, and we would like to take this opportunity to reassure local businesses and the wider public that we will be doing all we can to ensure all those involved are brought into custody.

“Not only that, but the suspected ram raid has caused significant damage to the shop front and we will simply not tolerate this type of behaviour in our communities.

“I would urge anyone who has information that could assist our enquiries to come forward as soon as possible – we would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious, the suspects or the vehicle in question in the area, to report it to police.

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“Also, if you have any information on the whereabouts of the vehicle we are looking to trace, please contact us.

“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant which you feel it may be, could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information regarding the burglary should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting reference number NP-20240223-0063.