RAIDERS stole more than £10,000 from a bank in Lesmahagow in an "audacious" an early morning robbery.

Police leading the investigation say an ATM at the Royal Bank of Scotland was targeted at 4am on Sunday, May 3 after "a bit of planning".

They have appealed to locals in the village who may have heard a "loud bang" or the sound of cars speeding from the scene.

Detective Inspector John Lamb, of Wishaw CID, confirmed that "a five figure sum of money" was stolen.

He said: "The bank is in a quiet village but is surrounded by a small number of homes. There would have been noise from any vehicles involved and indeed from the break in.

"Did you hear a loud bang around 4am on Sunday morning or did you see a car travelling at speed from the bank at that time?

"It was a rather audacious robbery. It would have needed a bit of planning and more than one person to carry it out; therefore, I think that those responsible would have had to have been in the area maybe in the days before the robbery.

"If you saw someone in or around that bank that you thought a bit suspicious or you didn't recognise, then please get in touch.

"This is also the same for any vehicles that may have been in the area that were out of place. It might seem insignificant to you but may be significant to our enquiries."

Witnesses can contact officers at Wishaw CID by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.