Thieves ripped a cash machine from a convenience store during a ram raid in Witham.

A Toyota Rav4 was used to remove the cash machine from Honeysuckle Stores, in Honeysuckle Way, at 2.10am today.

Three people, who had their faces covered and were wearing hoodies, got into two other vehicles, believed to be an Audi four-wheel drive and a Mercedes, and left in the direction of Flora Road.

Navin Kabaria, who has owned the shop for five years, said: "They didn't take anything other than the cash machine but it's a mess. The cash machine isn't owned by us, we don't touch it.

"They cut the locks, pulled-up the shutter, strapped up the cash machine and then just pulled it out.

"I was alerted by the alarm going off but I was quite nearby. The police were here before me and they've been very good.

"What can I say about the people who have done this? It's not good, I'm very disappointed. We're just a small business serving our community.

"Hopefully we'll be able to re-open in two or three days."

Officers were on scene within six minutes and conducted a search of the area with the help of a police helicopter.

Meanwhile, builders were on the scene this morning to help with the clean-up operation and to put door supports in place.

Mr Kabaria said he feared the wall which was rammed by the thieves may have to be replaced.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 47 of 13/11.