A STOLEN pick-up truck was used in the attempted theft of a cash machine early this morning.

A group of offenders broke into Walkford Stores in Ringwood Road at around 2.45am today before using a dark-coloured Toyota in a bid to rip out a cash machine.

However, their attempt was unsuccessful and the offenders left the scene in the truck heading towards the A35.

The vehicle was later found abandoned nearby.

Police carried out a full search of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter, but no arrests have yet been made.

A full investigation is underway.

Detective Constable Andrew Burley, of Bournemouth CID, called for anyone who was in the Walkford area in the early hours of this morning and either witnessed the incident or saw a pick-up truck being abandoned to contact Dorset Police.

Those with information should visit dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting 55170161444.