A JCB was set on fire after would-be thieves attempted to ram-raid a Weaverham cash machine early this morning, Friday.

The digger was driven into the Tesco Express on the Northwich Road shopping parade around 2.20am on January 10.

Two men wearing dark clothing were seen repeatedly ramming the ATM.

The pair failed to access the machine and subsequently set fire to the JCB before fleeing the scene empty handed in a white Transit van heading towards Northwich.

Northwich Guardian:

Cheshire Police detectives are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

DS John Lyons said: “Our investigation into this incident is in its very early stages and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the people responsible.

“We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry and as part of this we want to hear from anyone who witnesses the incident or has any information which may aid our investigation.

“I’m also keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen the van fleeing the scene or possibly abandoned in the local area.

Northwich Guardian:

“The same goes for anyone who believes that they may know who the offenders are, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them arriving at or leaving the scene.”

Neighbouring shops remain open today, although police remain at the cordoned-off scene.

A passer-by who saw the aftermath of the incident told the Guardian: "I was on my way home from work at around 2:30am and saw the fire.

Northwich Guardian:

"It was only small when I first rang the police but did get bigger before they arrived."

Contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 608627, or head online here.

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.