Haydon Bridge Co-op raid: Tractor used to drag out cash machine

The cash machine was left behind following the raid in Haydon Bridge

Would-be thieves used a stolen tractor to try to pull away a cash machine from the wall of a village shop.

The attempted raid happened shortly before 04:50 BST at the Co-op store in Haydon Bridge, Northumberland.

It woke up residents who raised the alarm. The suspects made off empty-handed, leaving the tractor behind.

The Co-op said there had been "extensive damage" and a cordon was put in place to allow for structural assessments to be be carried out.

The Radcliffe Road store - which had undergone a major refurbishment in July - was expected to reopen on Friday.

A spokesperson said there had been "an unsuccessful attack" on the cash machine.

"The store remained closed while works were carried out to make it safe and secure and, structural assessments were undertaken," they said.

"We call on anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to police, who are investigating."

A cordon has been put in place outside the shop

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said inquires were ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them.

"Shortly before 04:50 an alarm was activated at the Co-op store on Ratcliffe Road in Haydon Bridge," a spokesperson said.

"A number of calls have followed from members of the public reporting a tractor attempting to pull the ATM from the wall.

"The suspects have made off leaving a tractor, believed to be stolen, at the scene after being unsuccessful in their attempt."

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service also attended but later left, leaving the damage to be assessed by structural engineers.