A CASH machine stolen during a JCB ram raid has been replaced.

The cash point, pictured here before and after the raid, is understood to have been replaced on Friday at McColl's in Church Street, Kempsey.

We reported how the ram raid at the shop took place at around 2.30am on Thursday, January 18.

The cash machine was later found in a field in Wadborough Road, Kempsey inside a Toyota Hilux Invincible van.

Cllr David Harrison said at the time: “The ram-raid of the cash machine was a terrible shock but I must praise the local residents in the speed of reporting this incident to

the police but most of all, thank the staff at McColl’s for re-opening the shop in double quick time – I hope the residents who use the shop were proud of their efforts – I was.”

He said he understood the new cashpoint had extra security features and that it provided a lifeline to the community, describing its reopening as 'fantastic news'.

Harriett Baldwin MP for West Worcestershire said: “I was briefed by the local police when the cashpoint was stolen from Kempsey’s shop and post office and I know it has had a significant impact in local people.

"We worked hard to protect the post office services in the village and I am glad to hear that things are now back to normal with the return of a cashpoint machine.

"I am sure that the police will be keeping an eye on the location and I hope that the new cashpoint is properly protected to ensure this incident is not repeated.”

As a result of the incident, the A38 road was closed at the junction with Church Street whilst the area was cleared up and made safe.

Police believe the JCB was stolen from a nearby yard, before it was abandoned at the scene.

Fire crews from Worcester and Droitwich attended the incident and helped to make the area safe.

At the time a West Mercia spokesperson said: "A JCB is believed to have been stolen from a nearby yard before being driven to the location of the theft and used to remove the cash machine.

"At this time officers are unable to establish whether anything else has been stolen.

"The JCB was left at the premises after the theft.

"Local searches have been carried out in the Kempsey area."

The issue was discussed at a Kempsey PACT meeting in February when it was revealed that police had arrived on scene within seven minutes of the raid.

A member of staff for McColl's in Kempsey declined to comment. No arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident.