THIEVES targeted Bolton’s Market Place just hours before the grand opening of The Light cinema.

The offenders broke in to the recently refurbished centre via the entrance on Corporation Street shortly after 4am on Thursday, October 20, confirmed centre manager Nikki Wilson-Cooke.

They tried to remove the cash machine but were unable to because it was bolted to the floor.

The attempted raid happened just hours before VIPs were welcomed to the cinema for its grand launch. a special screening of the Jack Reacher movie Never go Back.

There was damage to the door but nothing was taken and no one was hurt during the incident. Police were unavailable for comment.