A POST office suffered major damage after it was targeted by cashpoint raiders in a 4x4 early today.

Police were called at 3.10am to a report of possible "interference" with a cash machine at Peel Park Post Office in Airedale Road, off Otley Road.

The caller reported that an alarm had sounded, but no entry had been gained to the cash machine.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Police at the scene of the cashpoint raid at Peel Park Post Office 

Police then received a further call at 3.52am to the same location after reports were received of a 4x4 type vehicle being used to try to rip the cash machine from the wall.

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The vehicle was described as a dark coloured Mitsubishi which was driven off towards Barkerend Road.

A search was made in the area to trace the suspects but none were located.

At 5.17am, police were told that a grey Mitsubishi 4x4 had been found burned out in Newlands Place, Bradford.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Police at the scene today

The incident left the area around the building's cash point partially collapsed. The cash machine was damaged but not removed.

Police remain at the scene today and the building has been cordoned off as officers investigate.

Investigatioins are ongoing to establish if the burned out vehicle is linked to raid, said a spokeman.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The damage caused by the raid 

A Post Office spokesman said: "The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities.

"Any robbery or attempted robbery is very traumatic for the victims and we will be supporting thepPolice in their efforts to apprehend those responsible."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The scene of the raid

One neighbour, Nafisa Arooj, said: "I heard banging at 2am and then again at 4am. I saw two people wearing masks banging their car into the wall trying to pull the machine out.

"It makes me scared, I checked out of the upstairs window and I was too scared to ring the police because I was alone."

Another neighbour, Hussain Ali, said: "I saw a Mitsubishi Shogun and a few people trying to rip the cash machine out of the wall.

"When they couldn't get it out, two ran through the snicket next to the post office and the Shogun drove off down Otley road.

"They were reversing into the wall."

Anyone with information about the raid has been urged to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13160149779 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.