A stolen Audi was used to pull an ATM from a bank in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.

The theft happened at the Virgin Money Bank on Castle Street at around 3.30am.

Dramatic pictures show a smashed window and the remnants of the machine in the middle of the street, and a police cordon has been erected.

A group of men gained access to the bank through a window, before using an Audi Q5, which had been stolen two weeks before, to pull the machine out from inside the premises.

The Herald: Picture: @nikki1875 on TwitterPicture: @nikki1875 on Twitter

They then made off in the vehicle in the direction of George Street and possibly headed west out of the city centre with the cash from the ATM.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help their inquiries, and say they are working to establish the full extent of the stolen property.

Inquiries are ongoing and officers are working to establish the full extent of the stolen property.

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Sergeant David Simpson said: “We believe at least three, possibly four men arrived at the premises in the stolen Audi vehicle which was then used to commit the theft.

“We are eager to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle and these men immediately prior to the incident, or has seen the vehicle since the early hours of this morning, to get in touch.

“The vehicle was stolen on April 9 and we’re eager to hear from anyone who may have seen it in the city or surrounding areas since this time.

“Equally who witnessed the incident, or has any information that can help identify and trace those involved, is asked to contact officers as soon as possible.”