Ram raiders smashed their way in to the Aldi store in Witham, before attempting to steal a cash machine.

A silver Land Rover Defender, which had been stolen from an address in Silver End, drove into the front entrance of the store, in Reid Road, Witham, at around 1.15am this morning.

Two men dressed in dark clothing and with their faces covered, forced entry to the store by smashing the window.

The duo then made an unsuccessful attempt to remove the cash machine.

Both got back into the vehicle and headed in the direction of the town centre, with a silver VW Golf in tow.

The Land Rover was found abandoned outside White Notley Football Club, in Church Hill, Faulkbourne.

Witnesses or anyone who has information is asked to contact Dc Nicholas Philips at the Feering Serious & Organised Crime Unit on 101, quoting reference 42/49874/18.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers.

The front of the store was damaged, however Aldi remained open this morning.

Braintree and Witham Times: