Ramraiders drove a Landrover into a Co-op store in Brooklands, Wythenshawe before setting it on fire.
The incident happened in the early hours of this morning (October 30). Shortly after 1am police and other emergency services were called to the Co-op on Maple Road Brooklands, after reports that a green Landrover Discovery had been deliberately reversed into the shop front.
Firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze, which has caused significant damage to the front of the shop.
Police believe the Landrover was stolen and the offenders deliberately used it to damage the shutters before burgling the shop, and then set the vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene.
There were no reports of any injuries and police are appealing for information and witnesses.
Detective Inspector John Harris of South Manchester division said: “We believe the Landrover was stolen and the offenders used it to smash the shop shutters in a bid to get inside.
“Using a vehicle to cause significant damage to the shop, and then setting it alight is very serious and it is just fortunate that no-one was outside the shop at the time, as the consequences could have been severe.
“I would urge anybody who saw a green Landrover in the Brooklands area at that time or has any information about the incident to contact police immediately.”
Anyone with information should call police at Wythenshawe on 0161 856 4882, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.