Three ram raiders used a JCB telehandler in a bid to remove the cash machine from a Cambridgeshire filling station.

Cambs Times: Aftermath of the ram raid at Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, today; the raiders fled in a white Mercedez but left two vehicles at the sceneAftermath of the ram raid at Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, today; the raiders fled in a white Mercedez but left two vehicles at the scene (Image: Archant)

Ram raiders struck in the early hours – adding to tally of 20 such raids in recent years.

Seven weeks and 20 miles from the most recent at Willingham –in the village of Eaton Socon, outside of St Neots.

Forensic teams remain at the BP garage in Great North Road collecting evidence; the raiders caused extensive damage to the petrol station, with one side of the building smashed open.

Plant machinery was used to gain entry to the premises.

The garage is cordoned off with police tape, and the police scientific support unit police officers are at the scene.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “We were called at about 3am today

(August 21) with reports of an attempted ram raid at a BP garage in Great North Road, Eaton Socon.

“Three people in dark clothing used a JCB telehandler in an attempt to remove the cash machine from the wall.

“When they were unsuccessful they left the area in a high powered white Mercedes hatchback.

“Officers have attended the scene and two vehicles have been recovered. An investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have yet been made.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident should call police on 101 quoting incident 34 of 21 August or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”