Cash machine ripped out of Great Barr bank during attempted ram-raid

Police have sealed off the scene this morning, after the incident, which took place overnight in Walsall Road near the Scott Arms junction.

Officers say they believe two men in a stolen van attempted to steal the cash machine by ram raiding the bank.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said this afternoon: "Police are investigating a burglary at Halifax Bank in Walsall Road, Great Barr shortly after 1am.

"It is believed two men in a stolen white transit van attempted to steal the cash machine by ram raiding the bank.

"They failed and abandoned the van, which has now been recovered for forensics, before they fled in a blue Audi."

The bank has been closed until further notice, and staff have apologised to locals for causing any inconvenience.

A Halifax spokesman added: "We can confirm an incident took place in the early hours of Monday at our Halifax branch in Great Barr. The branch was empty at the time and nobody was hurt, however significant damage was caused to the building. We are supporting the police with their investigation.

“In the interests of safety, we have closed the branch until further notice and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Customers can continue to visit our other Halifax branches, and can also use the Post Office for many of their everyday banking needs.”

Resident Michael Robinson said crime was getting 'truly horrendous' in the Great Barr area.

Sharing the above picture, he said: "Horrendous. We are experiencing just in our area 10 burglary’s just last week with a further nine van break ins.

"People are living in pure fear at present as it’s never ending.

"The police can only do what they can with the such small resource they have."

Anyone with information can contact the police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote crime reference number 20BW/47282Q/19.