Cash stolen in ATM ram raid

Ram raiders stole a cash machine from a pub in Co Tyrone early today.

A car was crashed into the building in Fintona and thieves used a second car to make off with the machine.

Police appealed for anyone with information on the raid to contact them.

Both of the cars used were stolen. A red Vauxhall Astra stolen in Seskinore was used to crash into the building while a silver Vauxhall Corsa that had been taken in Sixmilecross was used to make the getaway with the machine.

Police said it had not yet been established how much money, if any, was in the machine.

The incident was reported to police shortly after 4am and the Vauxhall, which made off towards Tattymore Road, has not yet been recovered.

West Tyrone councillor Pat McDonnell condemned the robbery.

"To steal two cars is bad enough, but to drive one of them into a building could have put lives at risk, not to mention the serious destruction to property which has taken place," said the SDLP representative.

"Great efforts were made by the proprietor of the pub attacked to have the ATM facility provided for the local community and the service is extensively used and appreciated.

"I hope that the culprits are caught and that they are dealt with in an appropriate manner.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the police investigating team immediately."

The emptied cash machine was later found in a nearby field.

The stolen silver Vauxhall Corsa getaway car was also recovered from the field on the Tonagh Road, between Fintona and Tempo.

Detectives said they want to hear from anyone who noticed vehicles in the Tonagh Road area between 5am and 10am.