THIEVES used a digger to smash down a wall and steal a cash machine from Lloyds TSB bank in Bromyard.

The raid took place in the early hours of Saturday and left a gaping hole in the wall of the Broad Street branch.

The digger used to rip the ATM from the wall was stolen from the Linton Park area of Bromyard and was abandoned at the scene.

The thieves drove away in a white Ford Transit flatbed truck with the cash machine on the back. A dark coloured 4x4 was also spotted at the scene.

The Ford Transit, stolen from Evesham earlier that night, was seen to drive off along the High Street towards Cruxwell Street.

It was found on Saturday afternoon, around 3pm, after being set on fire and abandoned in Pendock on the B4208.

Firemen found the ATM on the back of the burnt-out truck. A black Vauxhall Cavalier was seen driving away from the abandoned Transit.

Police believe at least three men were involved in the raid, which caused extensive damage to the bank, a listed building, and the 17th Century bed and breakfast building opposite.

Broad Street was closed to traffic on Saturday, with some shops not opening and others saying business had been quiet.

"There were lots of people around, it was very busy, but all people wanted to do was talk about the robbery," said Olive Allsup, who runs The Wool Shop on Broad Street.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the raid to come forward. They would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any of the vehicles involved, which may have been travelling together both before and after the robbery.

Anyone with information can contact DC Pete Bradbury or DC Helen Jennings at Hereford CID on 08457 444888 or the free Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

A Lloyds TSB spokesman said the bank was working closely with police.