Following reports online of residents hearing what sounded like an explosion near the Newport Industrial Estate in Launceston, it has been found that severe damage has been done to the front of the Co-op shop in the area.

When asked to comment on the matter, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a burglary in Launceston after an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) was targeted.

“The incident happened at a Co-op store on Newport Industrial Estate at around 2am on Thursday 20 October.

“There were believed to be two male suspects who managed to take cash from the ATM after causing a small explosion and reversing their van into the ATM/store before making off.”

The van, which had false number plates, was later located in Ladycross near Yeolmbridge.

The spokesperson continued: “Fire services and police attended the scene and a scene guard was put in place which has since been removed.

“Police wish to hear from anybody who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time.”

If you have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact the police via their website or by calling 101 quoting CR/096922/22.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.