A DIGGER WAS used to pull an ATM from a bank wall in Downpatrick last night.

Detectives said that the incident occurred during a burglary at a service station on the Newcastle Road in Seaforde in the early hours of this morning.

Shortly before 3.45am, thieves used a Volvo digger to remove an ATM machine from the building.

Police said that “considerable damage” was caused to the building during the incident.

They believe that the digger used had been stolen a short time earlier from a nearby quarry. It was then set on fire and destroyed in the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the burglary at the service station or the theft of the digger in the Newcastle Road area, or who has any information, is asked to contact detectives in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000.

To give information anonymously, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.