A gaping hole has been left in the front of the Co-operative Foodstore on Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, after thieves used a teleporter vehicle to attack and remove a cash machine last night.

Wisbech Standard: Co-op Foodstore, Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge. Picture: Steve Williams.Co-op Foodstore, Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The incident, which took place between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday morning, has left the shop closed this morning.

The ATM has since been found, still intact, in a rural location to the east of Peterborough. It has been recovered for forensic tests as well as a green pick up truck which is believed to have been involved in the incident.

Detective Inspector Dave Rimmer, from Spalding CID, said: “Due to the help of the public and the concerted joint efforts between Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire police we have stopped the offenders getting away with any money.

“The damage they cause is not to be underestimated and we will continue to investigate all of these offences to identify the suspects.

“It’s crucial to get the early calls from witnesses and as much detail as possible, so I appeal to anyone who thinks they saw any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area last night to get in touch.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of the cash machine being attacked at the Co-Op in Sutton Bridge at around 2.26am this morning (Tuesday 24 May).

“When officers arrived they saw the cash machine had been stolen using a teleporter vehicle which had been left behind.

“Two further vehicles, a black Audi and a green pick up truck which are believed to have beeen involved, had left the scene.

“The stolen ATM was found in a rural location just to the east of Peterborough.

“The ATM was still intact, along with the green pick up truck.

“Both have been recovered for forensic tests.”

Police are also investigating the theft of a green Mitsubishi L200 from Kirkby Underwood, Bourne, and believe this is one of the vehicles used in this incident.

The police spokesman added: “We also believe the theft of number plates from two vehicles in Woad Lane, Long Sutton may be connected.”

The Co-op is currently closed but Lincolnshire Co-op are working to get it open as soon as possible.

The building will be subject to a safety assessment by South Holland District Council building and planning control.