DETECTIVES are investigating whether there are connections between a series of cash machine thefts and the seizure of a suspected stolen JCB, cars and cash following a police swoop in the early hours.

Police forces from across the region are examining whether the seizure of the vehicles, along with other machinery and cash, are linked to the targeting of ATMs, the Star has learned

As reported in last week's Star, cash machines have been taken in the past month from outside shops in Rainford and Garswood by crooks who have caused explosions to blast them open.

Similar raids have also taken place in Leigh, Golborne and Culcheth.

Police forces in the north west and the regional organised crime unit have been sharing information amid suspicion a criminal gang is behind the thefts and last week's development – which involved a high speed chase – could be a significant line of inquiry, the Star understands.

A police helicopter was used at 1.15am on Wednesday, September 20, to help track the digger and an Audi RS6 which were spotted together on Park Road South in Newton-le-Willows.

The Audi was pursued at high speed, stopped and searched and found to have a gas bottle, cutting equipment and an angle grinder on board.

Two men ran from the scene and a 27-year-old man from Haydock was detained nearby and arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary, aggravated theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, going equipped for theft, and driving offences.

The Audi is suspected to have been stolen during a car key burglary at Warrington Road, in Bold Heath.

Enquiries identified a second car, a Vauxhall Insignia, in the area, which was stopped.

Cash was recovered in the vehicle, and a 20-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and money laundering.

A third car, a Mercedes A Class, was also stopped and in the area and the two women, one aged 51 and one aged 21, both from Newton-le-Willows, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and assisting an offender.

The JCB was located on Osborne Road and is believed to have been stolen.

The four suspects been released under investigation. Merseyside Police would not comment on whether the incident in Newton-le-Willows was linked to the ATM thefts.