Thieves ram-raided two businesses within a mile of each other during an early morning smashing spree.

At around 5.20am, a silver Peugeot car was used to reverse at high speed into a Scotmid Co-Operative store on Mearns Road in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire.

The Scotmid store was due to open just 30 minutes after the raid.

Extensive damage was visible to the entrance after an opening about two feet high was smashed into the grille on the front door.

Baskets and merchandise could be seen scattered on the shop floor.

Police say the same car – an estate with rails on the roof - was responsible for an identical ram raid minutes later at a Londis store within a BP petrol station less than a mile away, on the same road in Newton Mearns.

It’s not thought anything was stolen in either raid. 

READ MORE: Police probe targeted overnight attack on two supermarkets

Thoughout the day crime officers arrived to gather information.  

Inspector Bryan McGeogh of Giffnock Police Office said:“Officers are currently in the area gathering information for this investigation and gathering CCTV footage.  

"Our enquiries are still at an early stage but it does not appear that anything has been stolen.

“Inquiries are ongoing to trace the vehicle involved and its driver. 

“The car involved was a silver Peugeot estate which had roof rails running the length of the vehicle.  The back of the car will be very badly damaged and I would urge anyone with information on its whereabouts, or who was driving to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should get in touch.

A Scotmid spokesman said: “Following the incident that happened at our Clarkston, we would like to thank our members and customers in the local area for their patience and understanding while we now carry out the necessary repair work.

"Our aim is to reopen the store and return to business as usual as quickly as possible.”