Ram-raiders targeted a convenience store in the early hours of Tuesday (March 21) morning before making off with an ATM, causing extensive damage.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident after a grey transit van was used to take the cash machine from the front of a Co-Op store in Hartburn, Stockton.

Extensive damage was caused to the front of the store with other businesses at Harpers Parade also sustaining damage.

The incident took place in the dead of night at 1.40am on Tuesday morning.

The ATM was found just 100 metres away on Darlington Road at the junction of Hartburn Village a short time later.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The incident took place on Harpers Parade in Hartburn, Stockton.The incident took place on Harpers Parade in Hartburn, Stockton. (Image: GOOGLE)

Businesses at the precinct were forced to close while police carried out investigations.

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Neighbouring hair salon House De Novo posted on social media to confirm it would be closed on Tuesday with all appointments cancelled and slammed the “destruction and cost” caused by the “mindless [and] thoughtless” perpetrators.

Cleveland Police have since appealed to witnesses, or anyone with CCTV footage of the incident, to come forward to help their enquiries.

A force statement said: “Anyone with CCTV footage or information regarding the incident or the people responsible is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting 052923.”

The D&S has contacted the Co Op for a comment.