THREE men stole a large quantity of cash after using a rope and van to pull the front off an ATM in Cheshire.

Police have now launched an investigation following the raid on the cash machine shortly after 10.30pm on Thursday, April 29.

The trio arrived at Huub store on Manchester Road, Congleton, in a white van and placed the rope around the cash machine and used the van to remove the front of the machine.

The group then stole a large quantity of cash and drove off, leaving the badly damaged ATM behind.

All three suspects were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, two of them were also wearing high visibility jackets.

Officers have since recovered a vehicle which they believe may have been used during the raid.

A 31-year-old man from Congleton has also been arrested on suspicion of theft of a cash machine.

Enquiries in relation to the incident remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant George Vlastos said: “The investigation is currently in the early stages and we are following several lines of enquiry.

“One man has been arrested and he is currently being questioned by officers in custody.

“We continue to appeal for information from the public and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with any information which may aid our investigation, to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 976301 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously .