RAM raiders smashed their way into a village shop this morning - but failed in their attempt to drag out a cashpoint machine with their specially-modified 4X4 vehicle.

Police were alerted by residents who heard the thieves breaking into McColl's, in Sacriston Lane, Witton Gilbert, near Durham City, at about 2.20am.

Officers rushed to the scene to find the burglars had fled and abandoned a Mitsubishi Warrior, which had been adapted to pull the cashpoint machine out. Shutter doors on the front of the shop had been pulled down and display windows broken.

A search of the area was carried out with the help of a police helicopter but there was no trace of the raiders.

The convenience store, which contains a post office counter, was cordoned off as forensic examinations were carried out.

Fraser Reynolds, who lives nearby, said: “My wife Norma was woken by the sound of a helicopter circling above at about 2.30am.

“There were a lot of police cars there. The response was really quick.

“Witton Gilbert is a quiet little village, You don’t get this kind of thing happening here. It’s probably a sign of the times.”

Detective Sergeant Stephanie Bird, of Durham City CID, said: “It was clear that the Mitsubishi, which had been modified at its back end, had been used to force down the shutters.

“The cashpoint remained in position but bore signs that an attempt to remove it had been made.”

She added: “We believe the silver grey Mitsubishi Warrior 4x4 is a stolen vehicle and are keen to hear from anyone who spotted it prior to the time of the attempted burglary.

Det Sgt Bird said police would like to hear about any suspicious vehicles or people seen near the shop in the days leading up to the incident.

She added: “We are interested in a grey hatchback vehicle seen heading into Witton Gilbert shortly after the incident.”

A McColl’s spokesman said: “The health, safety and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the McColl's in the early hours of this morning is asked to contact Durham City CID on 101.