Transit van smashed in to shop in attempted ATM raid

Police were called to a failed ATM raid in Fife in the early hours of the morning.

It happened at the co-op store on Main Street at around 2:15am when a silver Ford transit flat bed van was deliberately reversed into the building.

Entry was made and an attempt was made to steal the cash machine inside.

A man was then seen running off from the scene and inquiries are now ongoing to trace those involved.

Detective Inspector Paul Dick from Glenrothes CID said: "While this has been an unsuccessful attempt to steal the ATM, it has caused considerable damage to the building, which will require to be checked to see if it is structurally sound.

"This is a serious and brazen crime, which will have an impact on the entire community of Thornton and will unfortunately cause disruption to local businesses and members of the public whilst we carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

"As part of this investigation we have established that the vehicle involved had previously been stolen from Station Road, Thornton which is a short distance away from the shop.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Thornton area during Tuesday evening or the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is also believed that the people involved left the area in another unidentified vehicle.

"Anyone with any further information relevant to this inquiry, or who can help us identify the persons involved should also contact police immediately."