Attempted ATM theft in Bessbrook

A digger was used in the attempted ATM theft

Police are investigating the attempted theft of a cash machine in south Armagh.

Thieves stole a digger from nearby road works before attempting to rip the ATM from a wall in a family-owned petrol station in Bessbrook.

The gang, who had also brought a pick-up vehicle to the scene, were not able to steal the ATM but did cause damage to the brickwork of the building.

It is the 19th attempted ATM theft in Northern Ireland in recent months.

Pat McGinn said officers were quickly at the scene after being alerted by local residents at 0700 GMT on Sunday.

"People from the local community informed the police immediately when they heard the noise and realised what was going on. Within one minute of those phone calls being made, the police were on the scene," councillor McGinn said.

Police said that when they arrived at the scene, they discovered a Caterpillar digger with its engine still running and another Nissan vehicle.

Detectives have appealed for anyone who was in the Green Road or Camlough Road area between 0600 GMT and 0700 GMT on Sunday to contact them.