Two of a suspected trio of men wearing balaclavas who smashed into the Co-op in North Street in a second ram raid in Burwell within a week have been arrested.

Both appeared in court today but have not been charged in connection with the previous raid at the other Co-op in Ness Road.

Police were called at just after 3.15am on Wednesday when a failed attempt was made to steal the North Street store’s ATM.

A police spokesman said: “This was a failed attempt made to steal the ATM and lots of damage was caused.

“A 4X4 vehicle was used and headed off towards Exning.

“At least three people in balaclavas were involved and the vehicle is described as a silver/grey hatchback with a black roof.”

The failed ATM attack happened just days after a stolen Range Rover was used in an attempted ram raid at the Co-op service station on Ness Road.

The two men who have since been charged in connection the North Street raid have are also facing other charges.

Charlie Smith, 31, of Mere Lane, Bitteswell, Lutterworth and 36-year-old Alfie Adams, of Bickershaw Lane, Wigan, have both been charged with four counts of burglary and one count of theft.

The charges relate to:

•Burglary at the Co-operative store in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, on Wednesday November 22

•Burglary at the Co-operative store in Cosby, Leicestershire, on Tuesday November 21.

•Burglary at the Co-operative store in Bignal Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire, on Tuesday November 21

•Theft of a motor vehicle in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, between Monday November 20 and Thursday

November 23

•Burglary at Tesco Express, London Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, on Wednesday November 22.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear before at Leicester magistrates today (November 24).

Two women, aged 29 and 38, arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act, have been released from custody under investigation.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident 28 of today or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

A Co-op spokesman said: “We take retail crime very seriously, and implement a range of measures to both deter criminal activity and to aid convictions.

“We appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

Ness Road Co-op opened the day after the raid: The North Street also faced temporary closure.