ATTEMPTED thieves abandoned a car in Whiston after a failed effort to steal money from an ATM machine.

Police have launched an investigation following reports of the attempted theft of an ATM machine from a shop in Halewood.

At around 11.25pm last night, Monday, September 24, officers were contacted to reports that a group of men in two cars were attempting to remove a cash machine from the wall of Merrivale Wines in Merrivale Road.

It is believed that five offenders were involved.

All were described as being young, wearing dark clothing and with their faces covered.

The vehicles are believed to be a grey/silver Volvo and a blue Ford Fiesta.

Both vehicles made off from the scene and the men are believed to have left empty-handed.

The Volvo, which had false plates was later found abandoned on Greenes Road in Whiston. The Ford Fiesta, which is also believed to be on false plates still remains outstanding.

House-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out in the local area and a further search of the scene will take place today.

Detective Inspector Louise Birchall said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Merrivale Road last night and saw anyone acting suspiciously to get in touch.

"I would also ask anyone who has dash-cam footage which may have captured the two cars arriving or leaving the area to get in touch.

"We will continue to carry out enquiries at the scene today and CCTV and forensic opportunities are being explored. At this time it is believed the group of males left the area empty-handed."

  • Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 18200201869.