The police are appealing for witnesses to a bungled ram-raid on a shop in the heart of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The front windows of the Leeds Co-op Village Store in Station Road, formerly Leeson's, were smashed in by a group of masked men driving a silver car at around 11.15pm on Thursday, August 29.

The gang proceeded to tie a chain around an auto-bank facility inside the shop, attach it to their tow bar and drag the machine outside.

But it was then, watched by customers in the neighbouring Spicy Ranch Asian takeaway and alarmed residents, that the criminals' luck ran out.

Security manager for the Leeds Co-op chain Garry Smith, who was called out to Burley to deal with the incident, explained: "People from the takeaway next door and the shop at the other side of us had heard the smash and bang and got onto the police straight away as they were watching it happen.

"The burglars had smashed the glass in the front window and put a chain around the machine and then dragged it out.

"But as they tried to put it into the back of the car it fell out and before they could try again a bus came around the corner and knocked the machine along the road. They panicked and drove off."

Though they didn't get the auto-bank, Mr Smith said the damage would run into thousands of pounds.

"The shop will need a new front and side built," he added.

Despite the disruption, the Co-op still managed to open as normal on Friday morning, albeit with shoppers having to step around a team of busy workmen.

Pam and Jason Atkinson own the

neighbouring Costcutter store, which itself has been broken into several times

in recent years.

Mrs Atkinson said: "My husband saw it from the very start and got onto the police straight away, and it seems everyone did the same - word got around very quickly.

"I had been in bed when I heard the

noise and at first I thought 'oh no, it's us again.'

"I jumped to the window and saw the men, who were hooded, put the cash machine in the back of the car, then it fell out and as they were trying to get it back in the bus appeared and hit it.

"I would say it was like something out of a comedy if it wasn't so frightening."

The police are keen to hear from anyone who saw the drama or has information on the suspects, who were driving a silver Subaru Impreza.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Three men pulled up in a silver Subaru Impreza, smashed the windows of the Co-op shop with sledgehammers and made a few attempts to use the car to drag the cash machine out.

"They then drove off towards Burley Woodhead, but as they were in the process of leaving, the cash machine freed itself.

"We are still talking to a lot of people about what happened and would appeal for witnesses to come forward. The men were aged between 25 and 30 and all three were wearing balaclavas, black, army type jumpers and trousers, and carrying sledgehammers."

Anyone with information should contact Keighley Police help desk on 01535 617059, or the 24 hour a day manned 'golden number', 0845 606 0606.