About six men arrived in a transit van and a car at the Gulf garage at Frost Hill at 9.45am on Sunday, and ran into the store, which was occupied by a female customer and a male cashier.

Manager Muhammad Ashfaq said: "They were very scared. The men shouted, 'Stop what you're doing and don't move'.

"They tied metal ropes around the cash machine, and tied the ropes to the bumper of the van."

But the would-be thieves could not dislodge the machine from the floor.
Instead the ropes snapped, and a second attempt ended in failure when the bumper of the van broke.

Mr Ashfaq said: "The machine is drilled into the floor and they couldn't remove it. The cash machine is broken, and so is the door to the store, but they didn't get anything."

The men fled the scene in the car, leaving the van.

Mr Ashfaq said they were all white and wore masks and gloves.

DC Steve Swailes is appealing for information.

He said: "Inquiries are ongoing at the moment and we have spoken to witnesses in relation to the crime.

"We would however appeal for anyone else who saw what happened or has information to get in touch."

Call DC 2793 Steve Swailes on 01924 431082.