ATM ram-raiders smash superstore

The Scotmid in Newmains was vandalised by men in a stolen dumper truck

Vandals have demolished the front of a convenience store in North Lanarkshire, in a failed cash point ram-raid, police have confirmed.

A group of about four or five men smashed into the Scotmid co-op on Manse Road in Newmains, Wishaw, in a stolen dumper truck at about 0445 BST.

The men had also earlier tried to ram-raid an ATM at nearby BP garage.

Police believe the men, all wearing dark clothing, stole the dumper truck from an area of waste ground.

It is thought that after the incident, the men left on foot towards Claire Street.

Det Sgt Craig Hosie, of Wishaw CID, said: "Clearly these youths were determined to force their way into ATM machines and steal the money placed within.

"The suspects failed in their attempts to obtain any cash and thankfully no-one was injured in either of these incidents.

"However, it's imperative we trace the people involved and I would urge anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious between the hours of four and five o'clock this morning to contact us."

Desperate measures

A structural engineer has been called in to assess the damage to the shop and to ensure the building is still safe.

Scotmid's head of corporate communications, Malcolm Brown said: "We are very relieved no one was inside at the time.

"But we are very concerned at such desperate measures to get cash from the cash machine or get drink or cigarettes from the store."

It is expected the store will be shut for two to three days.