Thieves caused thousands of pounds of damage during a botched ram raid this morning.
The manager of Costcutters in Upper Horsebridge Road, Hailsham, was woken at 1.05am when a four-wheel drive truck backed into his shop while he slept in the flat above.
The vehicle smashed open the front doors of the convenience store and two men got out and ran inside.
They lassoed a cash machine in the rear of the store, tied the other end to their truck and dragged it out into the road.
The raiders ignored the manager's cries to stop but were eventually forced to give up.
They sped off empty-handed before police arrived.
This morning a building inspector was called out to check for structural damage to the shop.
Anyone with information should call Hailsham Police on 0845 6070999.
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