THIEVES smashed through a Highworth supermarket's wall to steal a cash machine in the early hours of this morning.

The criminals took the piece of wall from the side of the Cooperative with a cash machine attached to it and lifted the machine into a van at around 1.15am.

The ATM was later found abandoned and empty at a hanger at Idstone.

A van and Audi were found burnt out at Foxhill, near Liddington.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Det Insp Paul Hacker said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a JCB being driven to the supermarket in Highworth, possibly being closely followed by a car which could have been an Audi

"Did you hear or see anything in the Highworth area in the early hours of this morning or anyone acting suspiciously before the incident - perhaps in the days leading up to the break-in?

"We'd also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the fire caused by the burning of the vehicles - perhaps you were passing and saw or heard people acting suspiciously and out of context for this quiet, rural area or maybe saw a vehicle driving erratically."

Anyone who can help with the police's enquiries should contact Swindon CID on 101, quoting crime reference number 54180115068. Alternatively, call anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.