Dramatic moment ram raiders smash into post office in cash machine heist – before failing to open it with an angle grinder and enduring massive struggle to load ATM into boot of their getaway car and flee

This is the dramatic moment ram robbers burst into a post office and stole a cash machine before struggling to load it into the boot of their getaway car.

The incident happened just before 2am on Tuesday in Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill, east London.

Video footage shows three hooded men using a rope tied to a truck to drag the ATM away from the front of the store, tearing away part of the building.

They then attempt to open the machine with an angle grinder before struggling to load it into the back of a getaway car and flee the scene.

The moment hooded men pulled the cash machine from the front of the store, destroying part of the building (pictured)

One man tried to get into the ATM with an angle grinder (photo)

One man tried to get into the ATM with an angle grinder (photo)

The hooded men struggled to load the ATM into the back of the getaway car (photo)

The hooded men struggled to load the ATM into the back of the getaway car (photo)

Images from Facebook show the aftermath of the Harold Hill ram raid in East London

Images from Facebook show the aftermath of the Harold Hill ram raid in East London

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘On Tuesday, May 21, officers were called to Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill at around 2am to reports of a burglary.

“Officers attended the scene and carried out all relevant inquiries and a crime scene is currently in place.

“There have been no arrests at this early stage.”

Photos circulating of the aftermath of the ram raid show that the storefront has been completely destroyed.

Crates of fresh food, bottles and broken glass are scattered across the sidewalk and a police cordon has been set up.

Witnesses to the incident have been asked to contact the Met Police on 101 quoting reference number CAD436/21MAY.