DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a cash machine was taken using a pick-up truck stolen from Ellesmere Port.

The ATM was prised from the forecourt of a BP petrol station in Brimstage Road, Spital, at about 1.35am on Friday.

The cash machine was found about half a mile down the road in the direction of Spital Railway Station.

It had been dragged along the road, leaving a trail of debris in its wake as well as causing damage to the road, pavement and walls.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen either a yellow pick-up truck or a blue Jaguar car in the area at the time to come forward.

The blue Jaguar had the registration plate covered with tape.

The yellow pick-up truck was stolen from Home Farm in Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port, overnight between Wednesday, January 10, and Thursday, January 11.

Its registration is W273 PTR and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it between when it was stolen and the theft of the ATM.

Detective Inspector Anne Rannard said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen either vehicle in the area around the time of the theft.

“We take offences of this nature very seriously and are following up several lines of enquiry.

“We are determined to find those responsible for this offence and we ask anyone with any information that could help this investigation to call us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.