POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a stolen car was used in a ramraid on a pharmacy.

Thieves stole a green Vauxhall Cavalier, registration M154 MRX, from Yarm Road, Darlington, before driving to Whinbush Way in the town.

They reversed along a narrow footpath between the doctor's surgery and the Rowlands Pharmacy before backing the car into shutters to gain entry. The thieves stole cash from the till float. No medicine was taken.

The shop alarm alerted police, who sped to the scene, passing the green Cavalier on their way along Thompson Street.

The car was later found abandoned at the junction of Fitzwilliam Drive and Pendleton Road, off Darlington's North Road. It had been damaged, probably as a result of the ramraid.

Pharmacy manager Dr Robert Herbert said the shop repairs would cost about £2,000, three to four times the amount that was stolen.

The incident happened at about 1.15am yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses and neighbours, who think they know something about the theft, to get in touch.

Detective Constable Mark O'Brien said: "We would like anyone who has seen the initial theft of the vehicle, the incident at the pharmacy or anyone who has seen the car being abandoned, to get in touch with us."

Dr Herbert said the shop's closed circuit television cameras had been on and would be passed to police.

Business was not affected yesterday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con O'Brien on (01325) 742061.