POLICE have renewed an appeal for information following a ram-raid in which a cash machine was stolen.

Thieves used a stolen JCB digger to gouge the machine from the wall of the Co-op store, in Masham, North Yorkshire, shortly before 3am on Monday.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police yesterday revealed that the thieves did not manage to gain access to the cash machine and all the money has been recovered.

Following the theft, the thieves left Masham along Leyburn Road, with the cash machine on the back of a Mitsubish low-loader, which was also stolen.

A short distance outside the town, they attempted to gain access to the machine, possibly with grinding tools.

A 27-year-old man, from the Bishop Auckland area of County Durham, who was arrested on suspicion of burglary, has been released on bail.

A second man is also under investigation and remains in custody for a separate offence.

Both vehicles and the cash machine have now been recovered.

Detective Sergeant Dave Horne, of Harrogate CID, said: “I would like to thank all of the members of the public who reported this theft taking place. Without this information we would not have been able to locate the cash machine and make the arrests as quickly as we did.

“I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the JCB and Mitsubishi travelling together prior to the theft or may have seen the thieves as they tried to gain access to the machine.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have found any discarded items including clothing along Leyburn Road and surrounding fields.”

A spokeswoman for the Co-op said the store had now reopened.

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to contact Harrogate CID on 101. Press option two and ask for Det Sgt Horne.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111, quoting reference number 12120011699.