Police hunt Italian Job-style raiders who used car to smash into shopping centre

Rather than red, white and blue minis, the real-life criminals used a black hatchback

Thieves drove into a shopping centre and conducted a smash-and-grab raid which police have likened to the 1960s caper, The Italian Job.

Rather than using red, white and blue Minis like Michael Caine's mob in the movie, the real-life criminals used a black hatchback to drive through the Forum Shopping Centre in Wallsend, North Tyneside in the early hours of 29 January.

They were caught on CCTV as that smashed into the O2 shop, where they broke in and stole phones and other expensive technology.

They then fled the scene in their vehicle.

Northumbria Police said the scene "wouldn't look out of place in the film The Italian Job", as they issued a plea for information about the culrpits who have yet to be caught.

PC David Hudson said: "The significant damage to the shopping centre and the burglary has caused substantial financial loss for the businesses involved. An investigation has been launched and I urge anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed something, to get in touch."

Anyone with any information should contact police via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting from agencies