RAM raiders repeatedly drove into a cashpoint - but fled empty-handed after failing to break into the free-standing machine.

Horrified housholders hid behind their curtains as four masked men targeted the machine outside the Esso petrol station in Bolton Road, Kearsley, early today.

Many people in nearby properties had campaigned to try to stop the machine being installed last year.

The men used two stolen vehicles, a Toyota Landcruiser and a white VW van, to drive into the machine before realising their noisy activities just after 12.30am had drawn attention from nearby homes.

After fleeing down nearby Park View in a silver Saab saloon, the gang reached a dead end and smashed the car through fencing and down an embankment onto the M61.

The two vehicles used in the attack were abandoned at the scene.

Amazingly, signs of damage on the cash machine were slight and yesterday it was still working.

Det Insp Paul Hitchen of Bolton CID said: "This appears to have been a concerted and well-planned effort to steal a cash machine.

"I would urge any witnesses to the attack or anybody with information about the vehicles to get in touch."

The incident, which happened after the petrol station had closed for the night, was witnessed by former councillor Bill Collison, who lives opposite and was woken by the disturbance.

"I heard vehicles screeching," he said.

"Both vehicles were ramming the machine and it even ripped the back door off the van.

"Eventually all four got in the getaway car."

Mr Collison said residents who were opposed to the cash machine being sited at the petrol station have been expecting it to be targeted by thieves since it was installed two months ago.

"It is like a red rag to a bull," he said.

"I went round with a petition and sent it to the planning committee. No one wanted it. I predicted this would happen."

Now he is hoping the cash machine will be removed to prevent another attempted theft.

"Everyone would like to see the back of it," he said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.