THIEVES ripped a cash machine from the wall of a bank in Pocklington before dumping it near a roundabout on the outskirts of the town.

Humberside Police said the ATM was stolen from the wall of the HSBC in Market Place this morning and that a police car was rammed as the thieves fled officers.

The officers were called to the scene shortly after 3.30am.

A police spokesman said: "A JCB teleporter vehicle was used to steal the ATM, which was loaded onto the back of a green and white Ford Transit flatbed van.

"The van and the damaged ATM machine were later found near to a roundabout near Pocklington industrial estate. The JCB was left at the scene."

Two white estate cars were also used in the theft, and one is believed to be an Audi, the spokesman added.

The spokesman also said: "Officers were quickly in the area and made an extensive search. A police car was rammed by one of the cars as the suspects made their escape."

Humberside Police is encouraging anyone with any information to get in touch by phoning 101, quoting log 46 on 22/11/17. Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Superintendent Ed Cook, operational commander, said: "Officers attended extremely rapidly to this in line with an existing response plan to such incidents.

"A police car was rammed during the getaway but no officers were injured. The offenders didn't get away with any cash.

"Humberside Police are mounting a joint operation with neighbouring police forces in relation to this incident."

A HSBC spokesman commented: “We can confirm the branch was subject to an out of hours security incident. The premises is currently closed whilst the police undertake their investigation and structural repairs are being completed. HSBC are working with the police to provide any required information including CCTV."

It comes just weeks after ram-raiders stole a cash machine from the wall of a Co-op store in Main Street, Bishopthorpe. This happened in the early hours of October 6.