Police have launched an investigation after an ATM was stolen from a service station in the early hours of the morning.

Two men were seen loading the machine from Ansty Cross Service Station in Cuckfield Road in Haywards Heath onto a pick-up truck.

The vehicle, described as a grey or black off-road style Jeep, then made off on the A272 towards Bolney.

Officers have carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries and are now appealing for anyone with information about the incident, which took place at around 3am on December 1, to come forward.

The two men were dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas.

Chief Inspector Ben Starns, of the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This appears to be a pre-planned and targeted attack and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area.

“In particular, we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching the description or captured it on dash cam.

“It is possible it may have travelled up the A23 via the A272.”

Anyone with information that could assist the police’s investigation is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 126 of 01/12.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.