WOULD-BE burglars broke into Booths' Hale Barns store and tried to smash open a cash machine in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were called to the Hale Road store at 4am on Sunday August 14 after reports of a break-in.

After gaining access to the store, the intruders tried to rip open a cash machine but were unsuccessful and fled the scene.

A police spokesperson said officers are out and about in the area today making enquiries.

It is not the first time the store has been targeted. In November 2015, the store had to close for the day after two vehicles rammed the shutters in another attempted early morning raid.

A spokesperson for Booths said: “The Booths Hale Barns store has an attempted break in the early hours of yesterday morning.

“The Booths store and café are open for business today.

“Police are investigating the incident and Booths are unable to comment further as investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour at that time should contact the police on the 101 number or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.