DETECTIVES are investigating the theft of a cash machine from a supermarket.

The standalone cash machine was taken from inside the Asda store in Blackett Road, Darlington, at around 2.40am today (March 23).

Thieves forced entry to the building causing damage to the store front and used a vehicle to remove the ATM from inside the store.

It is not known how much money was in the machine at the time.

A white Ford Transit van and a red Seat were seen making off from the scene and turning right onto Haughton Road at 2.48am.

Detective Inspector Ian Sturrock, from Durham Constabulary, said: “The scene will remain taped off for a number of hours while we carry out our enquiries.

“We’d urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or seen a white Ford Transit or red Seat driving at speed in the area in the early hours of this morning to come forward.

“We’d also be keen to hear from any motorists or taxi drivers who may have dashcam footage of the vehicles.”

Anyone with any information should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 45 of March 23.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.