Robbers target Thornton supermarket in cash machine raid

The Co-op store in Poachers Way, off Fleetwood Road North, was closed after the robbery at 4.30am on Sunday morning.

The thieves managed to gain access to the store's ATM machine and stole a quantity of cash before making their getaway in a van.

A spokesman for the Co-op, said: “There was an incident at our Poachers Way, Thornton Cleveleys Co-op store at around 4.30am in the early hours of Sunday morning (9 December) where an attack on the community’s ATM took place.

"Police are investigating, and we appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

"The store reopened later that day to serve the community.”

The spokesman added: "The Co-op works closely with police and other crime prevention bodies, implementing a range of measures designed to deter and disrupt criminal behaviour, and increase the likelihood of capture and conviction."

Store management said staff were 'gutted' by the incident after they confirmed the robbery on social media.

The post read: "We are back open and trading, minus a cash machine of course.

"Please respect the staff who work here by not asking questions and not speculating or adding to the rumours.

"As you can imagine we are all gutted and it's been a very testing day.

"Thanks for your continued loyalty and support it means a lot."

A police spokesman said: "We were called around 4:33am on Sunday (9 December) to reports of an aggravated burglary at the Co-Op in Thornton Cleveleys.

"Entry had been forced into the shop and money had been taken from the ATM machine.

"The offenders made off from the scene in a van.

"An investigation is underway and enquiries on-going.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log number 288 of 9 December."

The store re-opened at 8.30am after police had investigated the incident.

No staff members were injured in the raid.

The Co-op store in Poachers Way opened in August on the former Bourne Poacher pub site.