Thieves stole a cash machine by using a telehandler to smash into the front of the Ramsey branch of the Co-operative early this morning (January 8).

Police were called at 2.20am to reports that a JCB digger had been used to ram into the food store, on Newtown Road, to access the cash machine, which contained hundreds of pounds. The digger was found at the scene.

The Central England Co-operative has since confirmed that the store has been closed in the wake of the incident, but the building is structurally sound.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “We were called at 2.20am this morning to reports of the theft of a cash machine at the Co Op in Newtown Road, Ramsey.

“It is believed a JCB digger was used to remove the cash machine. Police are keen to trace a dark blue BMW 435 that was seen in the area.”

A spokesman from Central England Co-operative said:

“We can confirm that a burglary took place in the early hours of this morning (Friday 8 January) at our food store Ramsey, Huntingdon while it was closed.

“Offenders broke through the wall where an ATM was positioned and took the cash machine. We are working with the police while they investigate this matter.

“While the building is structurally sound, at present we cannot say when we will be able to open the store again for trading. We thank customers and colleagues for their support and patience during this time.”

Anyone with information should contact Cambridgeshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.