RAM RAIDERS left empty-handed after a bungled attempt to rob a Spar store.

Police are appealing for information after a van was reversed in to the main shop window of the store in Leeds Road, Nelson, at around 11.30pm yesterday.

Nothing was stolen but a heavy stand-alone cash machine next to the window was rammed and crashed onto shelves of groceries, a photocopier and a coffee machine.

Police were at the scene within minutes after the shop's alarm was triggered.

Part owner of the shop, Sarah Kirkbride, said: "It looked like they had reversed the van in to the window and tried to pull away slightly but didn't have time.

"I don't how they could think they would get away with the cash machine, which it looks like they were after. It weighs a tonne and is bolted to the floor.

"We have caught them on our security camera and they weren't wearing masks.

"The police are looking at that and they believe they are local.

"The window and the small wall under it have been smashed and there has been some damage to groceries and the cash machine but they didn't even steal a tin of beans."

It is believed four youths were involved in the incident. Police inquiries are continuing.