RAM-RAIDERS fled with a cash machine after breaking into a village shop near Verwood in the early hours of September 23.

Police say two men used a vehicle to pull out the double doors at the front of Three Legged Cross Village Stores before escaping with the machine containing a quantity of cash.

A Volvo estate - believed to have been used in the raid - was later found burnt out in nearby woods.

The vehicle, which officers think was stolen from the Horton area - was yesterday being examined by scenes of crime officers.

Part of the stores was sealed off while police examined the scene for evidence.

Police were alerted by a man at the stores after its alarm system was activated.

A search for the two men and the stolen cash machine proved unsuccessful.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened around 1.50am.

And they have issued descriptions of the men they are hunting in connection with the attack.

The first is described as white, short and with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black, long-sleeved top, dark or blue jeans, white trainers and black gloves.

The second man is white, of stocky build and with short -possibly spiky - light-coloured hair. He was wearing a dark long-sleeved top, possibly dark or blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Insp Tony Cox, of Ferndown CID said: "I am appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the vicinity of the village stores at Three Legged Cross in the early hours of yesterday morning to contact Dorset Police in confidence or the Crimestoppers phone line anonymously.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the two men - or who has seen the cash machine, or knows where it is. All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

First published: September 24