A yellow JCB digger was used to steal a cashpoint machine from outside a BP garage in Stadhampton early today.

The incident took place at the Summit service station in Thame Road, at about 1.40am, and police are appealing for witnesses.

Three men in balaclavas used the digger, registration number N89 YKO, to remove the cash machine.

The digger was left at the scene and is now being examined by the police.

It is thought that two stolen vehicles, an L200 4x4 pick-up truck, and a Ford Transit flatbed lorry with orange lights on the roof, were also used in the raid.

The pick-up truck had been stolen from Great Rollright, and the lorry taken from Wallingford. Both vehicles were later found burnt-out in Tetsworth, near Thame.

Det Sgt Darren Cartwright, of Thames Valley Police, said: “It is likely that the JCB was stolen and I am trying to trace where it has come from, so I’m asking farmers and builders to check they have their machinery, and report any thefts to us immediately.

“The ATM could have been dumped in a field or hedgerow, so I ask residents and walkers to be vigilant and contact the police if they see anything suspicious or unusual.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Cartwright of Didcot CID on 08458 505505.