AN investigation is underway following an attempted ram-raid at the Wilko store in Darlington.

At about 12.30am on Monday the front doors of the shop on East Street were smashed open by what is believed to be a van.

It is thought the thieves were targeting a cash machine but made off empty handed.

The store was closed for a time on Monday morning, but open for business again by lunchtime.

No explanation was offered to customers, other than a sign in the window, which said the store would be closed in further notice.

Detective Sergeant Mark Gaines, from Darlington CID, said: “I am keen to hear from anyone with any information about this incident; I have reason to believe a number of individuals were involved although no arrests have been made so far. 

“We are currently in the early stages of the investigation and my team are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.”

It appears that an attempt had been made to ram-raid one of the store's two sets of doubles doors .

Two engineers were working on the doors inside the shop, which reopened by lunchtime.

The Northern Echo:

SUDDEN: The Darlington branch of Wilko was closed for a time this morning, following an apparent attempted ram-raid.

Customers gathered outside to speculate what had happened and when the store wouldre-open.

The Northern Echo has approached Wilko for comment.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.