A ROAD has been closed by police after a cash machine was torn from the front of a bank this morning.

Police tape has been stretched across High Street in Hurstpierpoint as officers deal with the aftermath of an incident.

Within the cordon, there is a scene of destruction.

The Argus:

The Nationwide Building Society in High Street has been badly damaged, with debris scattered across the pavement in front of the bank.

The shattered glass window from the front of the building was carried away by two officers this morning.

A digger remains inside the cordon, with several officers stationed in the road.

The Argus:

Shortly after 10am, police confirmed a cash machine had been stolen from the front of the Nationwide building at about 3.45am, with the digger having been used in the crime.

The vehicle is believed to have been stolen locally, and was driven into the front of the site allowing those responsible for the theft to remove the cash machine from the wall.

This was then transferred into a waiting Luton van, which was driven away from the scene.

A number of men are believed to have been involved and the amount of cash stolen within the ATM is not yet known.

Detective Sergeant Mark Miller said: "Enquiries are at an early stage, but we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area during the night and who saw the digger being taken towards the High Street, or saw the white van, is asked to contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 208 of 05/09.

The Argus:

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"The High Street was closed for our investigation to take place but is expected to be open again during Saturday morning."