Thieves used a digger to steal a cash machine before loading it into a van and driving away.

Police were called to Tesco in Pinner Road, North Harrow, at 1.15am last night following reports that two people were stealing a cash machine.

They believe that a digger was used to smash a brick wall and remove the machine which was then loaded into a white Transit van.

The digger was left at the scene.

Shay Koria, manager of Harrow Glass and Building Supplies on Pinner Road, said: “I am very surprised that someone had the nerve to do this. It is unbelievable.

“I’ve never come across anything like it.

“I am part of the local neighbourhood panel and I’m amazed that this is happening.

“They could have risked life and limb. They have destroyed bollards.

“They have risked other people’s lives for the sake of what is, effectively, a few pennies.”

Harrow Police have confirmed that they are hunting two suspects and that there have been no arrests yet.