BURGLARS attempted to break into an ATM machine in the early hours of Monday morning but fled the scene without any money.

Police were alerted to reports of men damaging the shutters at Nisa Convenience Store on Park Road South, Newton-le-Willows, at around 3.45am on Monday, July 4.

As well as causing damage to the store shutters, the men reportedly pulled the front of an ATM machine out of the shop using a vehicle.

However, no access was gained into the machine and no money was taken.

A stolen white van from Cheshire was found left at the scene, which is now being forensically examined.

Merseyside Police officers are appealing for information surrounding the incident.

Detective Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan said: "Although ultimately this was a failed attempt to steal cash, the damage, stress and inconvenience caused to businesses by this activity is significant.

"There is also a real danger to those who live nearby with such reckless behaviour. We have recovered a vehicle to be forensically examined, but believe that a second vehicle may have been driven away from the location.

"We're appealing to anyone who lives locally or was passing to come forward with anything you saw or heard, including any cars driving at speed in and around Park Road South.

"CCTV, dashcam and other information could be vital in finding those responsible and putting them before the courts."

Any information, images or footage can be sent to Police on Twitter at @MerPolCC, or on Facebook at 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' with reference 22000470822.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.