POLICE are today hunting two would-be raiders who smashed their way into a shop before attempting to drag a cash machine into their vehicle.The attempted theft happened at the Spar shop in Church Street, Stradbroke at around 12.

POLICE are today hunting two would-be raiders who smashed their way into a shop before attempting to drag a cash machine into their vehicle.

The attempted theft happened at the Spar shop in Church Street, Stradbroke at around 12.15am.

Two men broke the glass in the door then hooked a device over the ATM machine, before being caught in the act and fleeing.

The occupants of the property above the shop were woken by the noise and went downstairs and shouted at the offenders. The men then made their getaway along Wilby Road in a gold Mitsubishi Shogun which had been backed up to the front of the shop.

The vehicle is believed to have been stolen from an address in Hoxne between 10pm - 12am last night. It was found outside the Ivy pub with the engine still running at around 12.35am.

Around £500 worth of damage was caused to the Spa shop window and the ATM.

One of the men was believed to have been wearing a balaclava but police have no further descriptions.

A police spokesman said it was too early to say whether the incident may be connected to other similar incidents in Holbrook earlier this year.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact PC John Shuard on 01284 774100.