A CASH machine was left hanging from a village shop after a bungled burglary.

Thieves attempted to use a Land Rover to rip the machine from the edge of the Co-op in Alderholt during the early hours of Sunday morning.

The efforts of the criminals were thwarted when they realised the machine was attached to the store, prompting them to bail out.

One resident said: “They did not get away with it, but it caused a lot of damage. This is the second time in the last 18 months.”

Police were called to the scene at about 2.50am to reports of a break in at the shop in Ringwood Road.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Offenders smashed the side panel of the store and using a Land Rover attempted to extract the cash machine.

“However, they were unsuccessful as the machine was attached to the ground.

“They were seen to leave in a second vehicle, believed to be a black BMW. No money was taken.”

The National Police Air Service helicopter was used to help officers search the area.

The police spokesman added: “It was subsequently established that the Land Rover, which was recovered nearby, had been stolen prior to the incident.

“No one was located and no arrests have been made. An investigation is underway and enquiries continue.”

Anyone with information about the incident that can assist officers with their investigation is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.