ANOTHER cash machine was stolen, continuing a recent trend of incidents.

Thieves used a 4x4 vehicle and a scaffolding pole to get to the cashpoint before dragging it off the wall and onto a trailer.

Three vehicles are believed to have been involved in the raid.

Three cash machines have also been ripped out in nearby Bourton-on-the-Water in the last two years and police are not ruling out that the incidents are linked.

The cash machine was stolen at the Co-Operative in Mitchell Way, Upper Rissington just before 3.45am on Saturday September 30.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a ram raid at the Co-op in Mitchell Way in Upper Rissington shortly before 3.45am on Saturday 30 September.

"Three vehicles are believed to have been involved in the raid, in which a cash machine was stolen.

"It’s believed that the offenders used a 4x4 and scaffolding pole to gain access to the cashpoint before dragging it off the wall and onto a trailer.

"No arrests have been made however enquiries are continuing and anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident 78 of 30 September."

Gloucestershire County Councillor for the Cotswold area including Upper Rissington, Nigel Moor said: "I was devastated quite honestly. I have worked very hard with the people of Upper Rissington to help make the new village centre which the area was very proud of.

"I have spoken with the MP (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) who has agreed to talk to the police and crime commissioner (Martin Surl) about the whole issue of rural policing to find out what the strategy is.

"I know resources are stretched but people in rural villages need some assurances."

Gloucestershire Police has been approached for comment.