A gang armed with crow bars smashed through the front door of a newsagents in an attempt to steal the cash machine.
At around 11.40am officers were called to reports that five men wearing balaclavas had attempted to remove the cash machine with crow bars on Gentwood Parade, Huyton. The gang are believed to have then left the scene in a black Nissan Quasqai car, which was later found on fire on Kingswood.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue attended the scene to put out the blaze. It is then believe the gang fled in a Volkswagen Golf towards Rupert Road.
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An investigation is now underway with forensics at the scene.
Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “Thankfully no one was hurt while the offenders targeted the cash machine, and nothing was stolen.
“Business thefts are not victimless crime and small businesses provide an important service for the community. Crime such as this is a massive inconvenience to residents who depend on their local shops.
“I urge any witnesses who saw suspicious activity around Gentwood Parade and Kingwood Road just before midday or any drivers that may have captured dashcam footage then please get in touch so we can bring them to justice.”
Please contact their social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 23000515646 or call 101. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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