An ATM has been stolen in a series of ram raids at shops in less than 90 minutes.

Two men used a Land Rover Discovery to smash into three stores across Lanarkshire in the early hours of Monday.

A Spar Shop at The Cross in Stonehouse was targeted first at around 1.50am but the men were unable to remove the cash machine so fled the scene and moved on to their second target.

The thieves the ploughed the vehicle into Westwood Stores in Leeward Circle, East Kilbride, at around 2.50am and although they got into the shop were again unsuccessful in stealing the ATM.

The third incident happened at around 3.10am when the car was used to crash into the shutters of the Pennysave Store in Udston Road, Hamilton.

The thieves managed to steal a machine during this raid.

Officers are in the process of collecting CCTV images from where the incidents occurred and the routes the car may have taken.

Anyone who may have seen the vehicle, which was damaged at the rear, is being urged to contact police.

The Land Rover Discovery was recovered shortly after in Stoneymeadow Road, Blantyre. It had been set on fire. It will undergo a full forensic examination.

Detective inspector David Cockburn said: "Our enquiries carried out so far have revealed two men were in the car and both were wearing dark coloured clothing.

"The car sustained damage to its rear and a tail light was smashed out so I'm appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle to contact us, perhaps you remember seeing the car damaged and the light out.

"The car is now undergoing a full examination by forensic officers and detectives will continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation.

"If anyone has any information or knowledge about the suspects, any of the incidents, or the car then please do contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Hamilton Police Office via 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 were information can be given anonymously.