POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cash machine was blasted open and the cash stolen in Threshfield at the weekend.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “At 2.07am on Saturday, 22 June 22, police were called with report that an alarm had been activated at the SPAR garage in Threshfied.

“On an arrival an ATM at the premises appeared to have been involved in an explosion.

“Officers conducted a search of the area, but no suspects were located.

“Cash cassettes were removed from the machine and enquiries are ongoing to determine the quantity of cash stolen.

“At 4.30am, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service colleagues reported a vehicle on fire on the B6478, at Long Preston.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish if there is any link to the ATM theft.

“Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time to get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12190112206.”