Cash machine stolen from the wall of a post office

An investigation is underway after an ATM was stolen from the wall of a post office in Rothley during the early hours of this morning.

A JCB was used to damage the cash machine and then place it on the back of a pick-up type vehicle.

The incident took place at about 3.42am in Woodgate and extensive damage was caused to the building. The premises has since been cordoned off so the site can be examined.

Initial enquiries suggest that the JCB was stolen from a nearby building site shortly before the incident.

The suspects all made off in the pick-up truck which was later found burned out in fields in Belton, Rutland.

Officers are appealing now for anyone who may be able to assist them in their enquiries and would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the theft of the JCB, the subsequent incident or saw a pick-up truck being driven from Rothley towards Rutland where it was found abandoned.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1308 Nick Robbins on 101, quoting crime number 17*12447.