POLICE are continuing to investigate a raid in which a cash machine was ripped from a convenience store.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries and gathering CCTV evidence from Silverdale.

It comes after thieves forced their way into Spar, in High Street, and ripped out the ATM using a harness tied to a transit-style van.

The incident happened at around 3.45am on Thursday.

The raiders managed to load the cash machine on to a vehicle and drive away without waking neighbours.

Part of the street was cordoned off on Thursday as forensics examined the scene.

Police later recovered a stolen Mercedes A200, believed to be connected to the raid, from the Heathcote Road area of Halmerend at 4.15am.

They have now distributed leaflets to nearby homes.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "The investigation is still ongoing and we would urge anyone with information to contact the police immediately."

Call 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.