DETECTIVES investigating a ram raid at a village store and post office have released CCTV images of the crime in action.

The front security barrier and door at the East Bergholt Village Store, The Street, were smashed through at about 3.10am on July 1 by a gang using a stolen car.

The Land Rover was abandoned at the scene and was stolen from the Manningtree area at lunchtime the day before.

Three men used a second vehicle waiting nearby to flee the crime scene.

The store is run by the East of England Co-op.

A spokesperson said: “The store was temporarily closed for a number of hours following the incident whilst Scenes of Crime Officers carried out their investigations. Our Secure Response Services’ team monitor all of our stores 24/7 and were able to respond quickly to this incident, reporting it to the police and attending the site.

“Although no items were stolen, substantial damage was caused to the front of the building which is in the process of being rectified. The store is still trading as usual. We would like to thank the local community for their support following the incident. We continue to work closely with the police on their investigations and would urge anyone with any information to contact Suffolk Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Another post office with an ATM was raided during the same night.

The Great Totham Village Store and Post Office in Maldon Road was ram-raided for the second time in six months.

Thieves obliterated a wall and stole the cashpoint.

However, police have not linked the two raids.

Anyone with information about the East Bergholt incident call Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference 41879/16.

Anyone with information about the Great Totham raid call Essex Police on 101.

The Crimestoppers number is 0800 555 111.