THIEVES are believed to have used a stolen van in a bid to steal an ATM from a Whitchurch supermarket during the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Residents woke today to see the front door to the Co-op store, in Bell Street, completely ripped off and the surrounding area cordoned off.

Witnesses said on social media that they saw “a big white van trying to pull out the cash point” during a robbery in the early hours.

Police have since confirmed that an ATM was “attacked with a view of attempting to remove it from a business premises” on the same evening that a transit van was reported stolen in the town.

Officers say they believe the two incidents are linked.

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A statement from Hampshire Constabulary read: “An incident of a transit van having been stolen in Whitchurch last night has been reported to the police.

“Another incident of an ATM having been attacked with a view of attempting to remove it from a business premises has also been reported.

“Significant damage to the premises has occurred as a result of the attempt in removing the ATM.

“Police believe these two incidents are linked to each other.”

The transit van has since been located in Overton.

Anyone who may have information that could assist police with regards to the incident should call 101 quoting the crime reference number 44200114493.