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An ATM has been has been ripped from a wall during an incident in the early hours of this morning.

Fire crews were called to deal with a blaze in the Market Square area of Bushmills after receiving a call just before 3.30am this morning.

Two appliances from Portrush and a Fire Officer were dispatched to the scene where a digger, tractor and trailer were alight.

The latest incident is thought to be the eighth ATM theft across Northern Ireland since the start of the year.

One eyewitness who spoke to a photographer from McAuley Multimedia at the scene said the theft will have a big impact on tourism, particularly over the Easter weekend.

(Image: STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA)

The local who wished to remain anonymous said: "At about twenty past three, I herd a massive crash followed by another crash, I though it was thunder. It's unreal that this has happened in our village. It now means that people will not be able to get cash especially coming up to the Easter holidays, when the village will be very busy with tourists given its location in proximity to Bushmills Distillery and the Giants Causeway."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and the Market Square area of the town is expected to remain closed this morning.

(Image: STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA)

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Detectives appeal for info following theft of ATM in Market Sq, Bushmills in early hours of this morning. Phone 101 quoting ref 106 16/04/18 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. It is envisaged Market Sq will remain closed for some time. Motorists should seek alternative routes."

Commenting on the latest theft, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “This is shameless attack on a rural town which was preparing for a busy Easter weekend of visitors and tourists”

“The loss of this ATM means that the local community and tourists will be restricted in accessing cash”

“Every single ATM robbery brings rural Northern Ireland that much closer to being a cash-free zone. Regardless if whether have been robbed, many Retail NI members are now considering removing their ATMs for fear of their shops being smashed up”

“Retail NI will be meeting the Policing Board on Thursday to discuss the Police response and what more can be done to tackle this crisis”

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