This was the scene of destruction today after determined thieves tried to rip out a bank's ATM machine - and brought a building crashing down.

The raiders struck in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water at 4am this morning using a stolen JCB digger to try to tear out the hole in the wall cash machine at Lloyds Bank.

But in the process they totally demolished part of the building-believed to be a lean-to.

A Gloucestershire police spokesman said: "Police received numerous calls from members of the public early this morning following an attempted theft of cash.

"Unknown offenders, wearing balaclavas, used a stolen JCB to ram the Lloyds Bank building and rip out the cash machine. After the unsuccessful attempt, where no cash was stolen, the offenders then smashed into a BMW car parked in the Kingsbridge pub car park that was in the path of their getaway.

"Other vehicles used during the raid were a stolen Mitsubishi pickup and a Landrover Freelander. The offenders made off in another high powered vehicle.

"The offenders have caused substantial damage to the historic stone building but no one was injured. CID officers are currently at the scene making enquiries and taking witness statements, together with forensic officers examining the stolen vehicles for evidence.

"We are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who has not already spoken to the police, to please come forward. Please call 101 quoting incident number 24 of 28 April 2017."

Bourton councillor Paul Hodgkinson who is leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gloucestershire County Council tweeted: "This is another shocking incident in Bourton. The police must be much more visible in the village.

"Cashpoint ripped out overnight at Bourton's only bank (due to close later this year). Where is the police presence?"

There has been a growing problem with ATM machine thefts - especially in rural areas. But this is one the most dramatic and destructive incidents of its type in the county.