A TOWN centre shop ram-raided by would-be burglars has been boarded up while investigations take place.

Police are appealing for information after vandals used a loader to smash through the back wall of Poundland in Bishop Auckland, just before 11pm on Wednesday.

Despite ripping a large hole in the back of the shop – which had a cash machine inside – the criminals made off empty-handed.

The Northern Echo: The scene of the ram-raid at Poundland in Bishop Auckland. Picture: Stuart BoultonThe scene of the ram-raid at Poundland in Bishop Auckland. Picture: Stuart Boulton

The culprits are then believed to have left in a getaway car leaving a truck and a van at the scene.

Following the incident, most of the back wall was destroyed and exposed cables could be seen. 

A spokesperson from Durham Police said officers are investigating if the loader was stolen from a nearby building site. 

Police have made no arrests so far but said enquiries are ongoing and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bishop Auckland CID on 101, quoting incident 444 of October 16.