THREE men tried to burgle a bank today by targeting a cash machine, possibly with gas canisters.

Officers were called out to NatWest in Peppard Road, Sonning Common, at 4.15am today.

Thames Valley Police said it believed the three men had tried to damage an ATM with gas canisters.

The would-be thieves then escaped in a dark-coloured car, thought to be an Audi, which was seen heading along Sedgewell Road, towards Reade's Lane.

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Police said they would be visiting people in the area to establish if residents had seen anything.

There was no further description of the would-be thieves, or of the damage itself.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Matthew Jarman said: "I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Peppard Road in the early hours of this morning to contact me via 101.

"Did you see a group of men in the area, or a dark coloured vehicle parked in Peppard Road or travelling at speed in Sedgewell Road towards Reade’s Lane? If you did then please call police immediately as you may have vital information that can aid our investigation.

"I understand that some people do not feel comfortable speaking to police, so instead contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court."

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was not called out to the scene.

A spokeswoman for the bank refused to comment, saying they do not give out statements on incidents like this.

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