A heavy-duty forklift was used to steal a cash machine from an Aberdeenshire store during an early morning raid.

The ATM machine at the Scotmid store on Craigour Road in Torphins was broken into and taken in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Police were alerted at around 1.30am, with the ATM machine recovered nearby.

The road has been closed while investigation works take place.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any vehicles or people in the area in the early hours of the morning, or anyone who has noticed suspicious activity in the past few days.

Detective inspector Fionnuala McPhail said: "Enquiries are at an early stage and I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch.

"Local road closures and cordons are in place whilst initial enquiries are carried out and I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst officers carry out their investigation."

If you have any information, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.