Thieves smashed a stolen car into two shops and made off with cash and goods during early-morning ram raids.

The suspects, described as two men in their late teens to early 20s, targeted a chip shop and convenience store in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, on Wednesday.

Senors Fish and Chip Shop on Bellsdyke Road and Burnfoot Convenience Store on Laidon Road were both significantly damaged during the raids between around 4am and 5am.

A Renault Megane car was deliberately driven at the shops and a three-figure sum of cash as well as electrical equipment was stolen from the chip shop. They did not manage to break into the other shop.

Inspector Vincent Ferris at Airdrie Police Office: "Officers are currently at the scene of both raids carrying out enquiries.

"On checking CCTV, two men were seen reversing the Renault Megane car into the convenience store and running off afterwards.

"They didn't manage to get in, however, it is thought, due to the damage to the shutter and the front of the shop, they did the same at the fish and chip shop a short time earlier.

"On this occasion they did manage to gain entry and made off with the three figure sum of money and some electrical equipment.

"The two suspects are described as both in their late teens to early 20s and of slim build. One is described as wearing a white tracksuit top with the hood up, jeans and gloves. The other had on a black baseball cap, a green jacket and light coloured trousers.

"The Renault Megane, which had earlier been stolen from the Coatbridge area, was recovered at the scene of the raid in Laidon Road, Airdrie.

"The area around both shops is residential so I have no doubt that someone will have either heard or seen the incident take place.

"At this time we do not know if the men had access to a second vehicle, so again would appeal to anyone with information about these incidents to contact the Community Investigation Unit at Airdrie Police Office via 101 or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."