THIEVES tried to steal a cash machine outside a village convenience store.

Police were called to reports of suspicious activity outside the Co-op on Bypass Road, Tarvin, at around 4.25am on Monday (April 2).

Officers are linking it to a similar ATM attack in Weaverham the day after.

Detective Constable Gareth Yates, of Cheshire Police, said: “On this occasion the offenders were unsuccessful in their attempts and fled the scene empty handed. However, they caused a significant amount of damage and we are committed to doing all that we can to bring them to justice.

“The investigation is currently ongoing and we’re following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensics. Initial indications suggest that the incident is linked to a similar ATM attack that occurred in Weaverham on Tuesday, April 3."

He added: “As part of the investigation we’re keen to locate a silver hatchback car which was seen in the area around the time of the incident and as part of this I’d like to hear from anyone who was driving in the Tarvin area between 4am and 5am and has a dashcam fitted to their vehicle.

“I urge anyone with any information which could assist the investigation to contact the team here at Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number IML 25557.”

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. To submit dashcam footage go to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage/