BURGLARS tried to smash their way into a Birkenhead newsagents during a ram-raid in the early hours of Friday morning.

It is believed a car had been driven into the shutters of newsagent Brookes & Co, on Balls Road, in an attempt to enter the premises at 1.45am on December 20.

Police found extensive damage to the front of the shop, but nothing had been taken.

The scene has been secured and investigators are hoping to find CCTV images from the area.

Detectives have launched an inquiry and are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Offiecrs are also trying to trace two cars seen in the area – an Audi A8 and a light-coloured Volvo.

It is believed the Volvo may have been used to drive into the shutters of the shop and may be damaged.

The owner of the store, Mohamed Hassan, told the Globe he believes the culprits targeted the ATM machine.

“They tied the ATM machine up with a big rope and tried to tow it out with a car but it got stuck on the door and on the wall – it is still there now.”

Mr Hassan, who has owned the newsagent for 10 years, added: “The neighbours next to the shop called me – they said they saw five young people, between 20 and 25. The security alarm people phoned me too and when I got here, the police were already here.

“We have been here for 10 years and nothing like this has ever happened before – I think the ATM machine is an attractive thing for these kind of people.”

The shop remains closed while police carry out an investigation.

Mr Hassan added: “The front is bricked a third of the way up and that has been damaged – I’ve had to call a builder to come out and knock it down and rebuild it.”

Anyone with information should contact Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.