Four people are in police custody following the attempted theft of a cash machine, which the bungling raiders left in the street after failing to get it the back of a van.

The suspects arrived at the Costcutters on Fleet Street, Keyham, Plymouth at around 6.25am this morning in a large white Mercedes box van and pulled the stand alone cash machine from the building.

They then attempted unsuccessfully to load the cash machine into the back of vehicle and soon fled the scene on foot.

The cash machine was unopened (pictured) and the vehicle left at scene.

Police apprehended and arrested four people in Wiltshire later this morning in connection with the attempted burglary - they remain in police custody as the investigation continues.

Detective Inspector Craig McWhinnie said “Despite having four people in police custody, we are not ruling out the possibility of others being involved. Therefore it is vital that members of the public come forward and speak to us if they witnessed the incident, or noticed anything suspicious in the area in the past couple of days.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and would like to speak to anyone who has noted anything suspicious in the past couple of days. Please contact the police on 101 quoting crime log 114 for April 9.