THIEVES ram-raided a convenience store, with a digger, stealing a cashpoint.

It happened at about 3am today when the vehicle was used to pull the cashpoint from Budgens, in Ferry Road, Hullbridge.

The crooks left the scene in two vehicles, and one was described as a black Audi.

The wall was destroyed and debris covered the whole road.

A passerby said: "I've heard the cash machine was not filled monday as planned so it was all for nothing.

"Staff are upset as are owners and managers.

"Everyone is shocked."

Officers and the police helicopter searched the area and have found two vehicles which police believe may have been involved in the incident.

Recovery work is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 76 of 23/10.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Budgens has been contacted for comment.