A STARTLED pensioner today told how her peaceful rural street was turned into the scene of a dramatic police chase as officers pursued a trio of ram-raiders.

A STARTLED pensioner today told how her peaceful rural street was turned into the scene of a dramatic police chase as officers pursued a trio of ram-raiders.

Raiders smashed their way into the Co-op in Elmswell at 1.10am yesterday but were unsuccessful in their attempts to steal a cash machine.

The three fled in a white four-door Nissan, but were pursued by police through Stowmarket then into Needham Market on the B1113, at speeds of more than 100mph.

The car was dumped in a car park in Foxglove Avenue, immediately next to the flat of elderly Doris Wilson, before the trio escaped.

Mrs Wilson said she was woken by flashing lights, sirens and the sounds of a police helicopter.

“It was quite frightening,” she said. “I saw lots of flashing lights - it looked like a fairground.

“I think the raiders dumped the car and then got away over the field and down towards Barking Road.”

Mrs Wilson said it was the third time the car park, which is for residents of nearby flats, had been used as a spot to abandon vehicles.

She added: “When the bank in Stowmarket was hit and when the Co-op in Needham was raided, they dumped cars here.

“I suppose it's an easy get away for them.”

The three offenders are described as male, one of whom is described as medium build, and were possibly wearing balaclavas or hooded tops.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen either the Nissan or the flat-bed truck prior to the ram raid to get in touch.

The car was a Nissan 200 SX Turbo, which had been stolen from Colchester overnight (registration K321 POY). When the police recovered the vehicle it was found that the number had been changed to P310 VYS. The lorry used in the raid was a Leyland flatbed lorry, registration N193 VOL.

Anyone with information should is asked to call DC James Gidney at Stowmarket CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.