Thieves have caused enormous damage to a forecourt shop in Northern Ireland as they forced the shutters and removed the door of a County Antrim petrol station to steal a cash machine.

The thieves struck shortly before 2am on Friday, February 19, forcing their way into the petrol station on Priestland Road in Bushmills.

They forced the shutters and completely removed the door to get inside the petrol station. Once inside they made off with an ATM machine. Substantial damage was caused to the interior of the shop.

Detectives are now investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective inspector Soren Stewart from reactive and organised crime said: “We believe the burglary occurred shortly before 2am and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at around that time and who may have seen a vehicle in the vicinity of the petrol station.

“Witnesses or anyone with information can contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101.”