Cash machine ram-raid 'guts' Rothley Post Office

Leicestershire Police said the vehicle used in the raid was believed to have been stolen from a nearby building site

A post office has been left "gutted" after a cash machine containing up to £30,000 was torn out of the shop front during a ram-raid.

Rothley Post Office, which villagers said was due to close in four days, was targeted at about 03:40 GMT on Tuesday.

Leicestershire Police said a forklift-type vehicle - believed to have been stolen from a nearby building site - was used to smash the shop.

The suspects then made off with the machine in another vehicle.

This vehicle was later found burned in a field in Belton, Rutland.

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A cash machine was "extracted" from the wall of Rothley Post Office, the force said

Commenting on the raid, a local coffee shop tweeted there were "unbelievable scenes" in the village, north of Leicester, saying the post office had been "gutted".

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Villagers said Rothley Post Office was due to close