Three men charged with attempted cash machine theft in Preston

Officers were called to reports of an ongoing break-in at the Co-op in Granton Walk, Ingol, just after 10.30pm on Saturday (July 11).

Anthony Lees, 35, of no fixed address, Nathan Green, 36, of Sale Road, Manchester, and Joseph Pike, 30, of Tabley Street, Ashton-under-Lyme, have all been charged with burglary and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Green was also charged with dangerous driving.

They are all due to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court today.

A police spokesman said: "It was reported that unknown offenders had gained entry to the premises using power tools and then attempted to remove the cash machine using a vehicle.

"The offenders have then made off after being disturbed by a member of the public.

"Following a pursuit involving a previously stolen BMW, three men were arrested in the Greater Manchester area.

"Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, three men have now been charged in connection with the incident."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses in relation to the incident and are particularly keen to hear from anybody with CCTV or dashcam footage.

Anyone with information should call police on 01772 209749 or 101, quoting log reference 1740 of July 11, 2020.