Two arrested as police thank members of the public who challenged cash machine gang

Two men have been arrested following the attempt to steal a cash machine from the Cooperative store in Richmond.

Police received a call just after midnight in the early hours of Saturday 9 November after a group of men armed with crowbars were seen trying to remove the ATM from the market place shop.

Members of the public enjoying an evening out challenged the men, resulting in one man sustaining facial injuries as a result of his public-spirited actions.

The suspects left the area without the cash machine but left considerable damage behind them.

Two men in their 40s from the County Durham area have since been arrested in connection with the incident, including one who was arrested by Durham Constabulary when they intercepted his vehicle near Murton. Both remain on police bail while enquiries continue.

Inspector Mark Gee of Richmond Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “My thanks go to the members of the public who stepped in and challenged the group. They have no doubt prevented them from getting away with the machine and the cash inside. Unfortunately one of them sustained serious facial injuries in the process. We wish him a speedy recovery, he is to be commended for his actions along with his friends.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the group either before, during or after the incident, is asked to email [email protected] or contact us on 101 and pass information for incident 12240204809.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their website.

Please quote reference 12240204809 when passing on information.