Ram-raiders steal cash machine in Whitchurch

Ram-raiders ripped a cash machine from a Whitchurch store after smashing into it with a 4x4.

The raid happened at the Co-op store in Wrexham Road at about 4am yesterday and involved two vehicles and at least four men.

Police said a Toyota 4x4 was used to ram the outer shutter of the store before the offenders drove off with the ATM. The vehicle was found nearby in Chemistry.

The incident caused the shop to close yesterday and staff were awaiting information on repairing the door before deciding on whether to reopen today.

Police are studying CCTV footage and want to speak to any witnesses who were at the Co-op or saw the Toyota being abandoned.

Rachel Anstee, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: "A Toyota 4x4 vehicle was used to ram the outer shutter of the store before the offenders smashed the glass and put a large strap around the ATM machine.

"The strap was then hooked up to the Toyota to pull the ATM out the store. The cash machine was then loaded on to a red car and both vehicles drove off towards Wrexham."

Anyone with any information can call Market Drayton police on 0300 3333000.