A large pick-up truck was used to remove a supermarket's cash machine shortly after another shop was targeted.

Just before 3.30am on July 29 three men broke into the Aldi on Langston Road, Debden.

Using a Mitsubishi Barbarian pick-up truck, they forcibly removed the ATM inside.

The men left with the cash machine in a grey Audi.

The supermarket was closed as police inspected the scene.

The theft came twenty minutes after the Tesco Express in Coppice Row, Theydon Bois was raided.

At 3.10am intruders took alcohol, cigarettes and a three figure sum of cash.

Police have said there is currently no concrete link between the incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 224 of 29/07.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Loughton CID on 101, quoting incident 219 of July 29.

Information can also be passed completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestopers-uk.org