Pictures and video: JCB used to steal cash machine from wall of Shropshire bank

The theft of the cash machine took place in the early hours of Sunday morning from Lloyds Bank on the High Street.

The incident was witnessed by one local resident, who did not wish to be named.

He said: "I was watching TV when I heard a massive bang, it sounded like an earthquake it was so loud.

"I looked out of the window and saw a JCB in front of the bank, that isn't unusual as farmers sometimes stop there in such vehicles to use the bank.

"But then I saw the JCB reverse into the bank and then do the same thing another twice, I then realised something bad was going on. I rang the police and described what was happening to them.

"I then saw the JCB pull forward and the cash machine was hanging on a hoist at the back of it. It was then lowered onto a Landrover Defender and driven away.

"I saw the whole thing and from start to finish it didn't take more than ten minutes."

Paul Roberts, speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police, said he could confirm that a JCB had been used in the theft.

He said: "A JCB was believed to have been used in this operation, one was found abandoned nearby and it was also reported to have been stolen."

The removal of the cash machine resulted in the bank being closed, on a day when it would normally have been opened.

Changed opening hours have meant that Lloyds Bank now only opens for five hours per day on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

The theft was the talk of the town according to Lewis Dixon, who works at Bowkett's Food Emporium on the High Street.

He said: "It's not surprising that the theft at the bank is all anyone wants to talk about this morning.

"But I do wonder why they chose to steal the cash machine at that time, after one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

"We have a card reader so it won't impact our business or be a problem to anyone shopping with us who couldn't get cash out."