A CASH machine was ripped out of the wall by a man driving a digger in Cheltenham this morning.

The incident happened outside a McColls shop in Coronation Square, Edinburgh Place in the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Cheltenham Police shared a photo showing an orange digger in situ at the shops, with the shop front falling apart from the impact.

In a post on Twitter Cheltenham Police said: "Noisy awakening this morning for residents at Coronation Square!

"Swift work by local officers and CID to arrest a male who is currently on his way to cells."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: "At around 4.50am, the ATM in Coronation Square was attacked by a man driving the digger. The vehicle was then abandoned and the man left the scene.

"A 41-year-old man from Cheltenham has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. He currently remains in police custody.

"Owners of JCBs, diggers and teleporters in the area are urged to be vigilant and to take extra precautions in protecting their vehicles, especially overnight.

"Where possible, park it in an outbuilding where it can’t be seen, set a security alarm or place a locking device on the steering wheel.

"Anyone with information about this incident should contact police through the website, quoting reference 78 of 31 May: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/