Three people arrested in ATM raid investigation

Thieves used a shovel/bulldozer type vehicle stolen from a nearby quarry in a failed bid to rip the cash machine from the wall of Carlisles' filling station in Ballynahinch, Co Down, at about 5.30am on Monday.

They struck the forecourt roof with the bucket of the vehicle as they tried to flee the scene.

It was one of a series of ATM raids on both sides over the border in recent days.

The suspects - aged 24, 25 and 26 - were arrested in the Saintfield area of Co Down on Tuesday on suspicion of burglary, criminal damage endangering life with intent and aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to property.

PSNI Detective Inspector Handley said: "The attempted ATM theft in Ballynahinch yesterday caused serious damage to the petrol station, which will have a significant economic impact on the business. A vital community resource that allows people to access cash instantly has also been impacted.

"The incident also had a widespread impact on the public as the Belfast Road was closed until yesterday evening. I want to thank the community for their patience as we conducted our enquiries and worked to keep people safe.

"I would continue to appeal to anyone who see any suspicious activity to please report it. Time is of the essence in catching these criminals."

In the other ATM raids, a cash machine stolen at some point over the weekend from inside a health centre at Knockbracken Healthcare Park in Saintfield Road, close to Belfast.

On Saturday night, thieves tried but failed to steal a cash machine from Belfast City Hospital.

Police in South Armagh are also investigating the theft of a Massey Ferguson tractor and low loader that were subsequently used in an attack on an ATM machine across the border at Dunleer in Co Louth.