RAM raiders have smashed into a convenience store cash machine during an attempted theft.

The thieves used a stolen Land Rover Defender to ram the ATM at Tesco Express on Bishopstoke Road, Bishopstoke.

They then used chemicals to try to set it alight during the incident which happened this morning at around 3.10am

They then left the scene empty-handed and made off in a dark-coloured Audi A5 or A6 Estate with a registration number ending in NWM.

The Land Rover, which had been stolen earlier this morning from an address in Botley, was left at the scene.

Police are now appealing for information to catch the thieves.

Detective Constable Michael Jarvis, said: “We know that the Audi was driven into the area a couple of days ago and it would have been left somewhere in the days leading up to the incident. We believe it may have been kept up in Hedge-End, Botley, Bishopstoke or the surrounding areas. Do you live or work in the area? Have you seen a vehicle matching this description parked up over the last few days?

“We know the Land Rover Defender was stolen from an address in Botley during the early hours of this morning and we are in contact with the owner. The vehicle was left at the scene after the incident. We’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area before the incident, or anyone with a dashcam who may have been driving between Botley and Bishopstoke between 1am and just after 3am this morning.

“Considerable damage was caused to the ATM and the surrounding building. Officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area today. We would ask that anyone in the area who may have CCTV at their home or business, who may have caught footage of the incident or the offenders making their way to or from the Tesco Express, to get in touch with us.

“Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call us on 101 quoting 44190323316.