BURGLARS were left empty handed during a fumbled late-night raid on a Co-operative store in Nantwich.

Raiders attempted to drag the store’s cash machine using a heavy-duty chain after ramming the storefront with a Green Land Rover to gain entry, but gave up and fled the scene.

The incident is believed to have taken place at approximately 2.00am on Monday, April 13, in the Stapeley Co-operative store off Beechwood Close, Nantwich.

Cheshire Police is now appealing for witnesses following the attempted burglary.

Detective Sergeant Richard Johnson from Crewe CID said: "We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry, and I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and believes that they may have seen anything suspicious to contact Cheshire Police.

"I would also like to appeal to anyone who believes that they may have seen the green Land Rover travelling in the Nantwich area, both before and after the incident."

During the incident raiders broke into the store by ramming the front entrance with a Green Land Rover, before attempting to access the cash machine.

It appears the cash machine become lodged under the store’s shutters, which may have caused the crooks to abandon their plan.

The offenders then left the scene empty handed in the Land Rover, which has since been found abandoned on London Road, Nantwich.

A spokesperson for the Co-operative Food, said: “I can confirm that a ram raid took place at our Stapeley store between 10.00pm on Sunday, April 12 and 5.00am on Monday, April 13.

“The store re-opened at 7pm on Monday, April 13. The police are investigating, and, as with any incident such as this, we would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting Incident number 54 of April 13.

Alternatively information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.