A SHOP has been left badly damaged after burglars used a JCB to steal the cash machine.

Police were called to the Tesco Express store in Springvale Road, Kings Worthy, near Winchester shortly after 4.30am where the digger had gone through the side of the shop.

Kings Worthy resident Amanda Fry added the "yellow JCB with a digger arm" was left at the scene after witnessing police tow it away at around 8.30am.

Officers say the cash machine was stolen and "extensive damage" was caused to the store, while large tyre tracks could be seen in grass nearby and a bollard had been ripped out of the ground.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said an investigation is under way and anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44180415212.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Following the incident, a Tesco spokesman said: "We can confirm that a robbery took place this morning at our Kings Worthy Express store and we are assisting the police with their investigations.

"We are working hard to reopen the store as soon as possible and would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”