Extensive damage has been inflicted on a village shop in an attempted ram raid.

Shortly before 1.45am today, police received a report of an attempted burglary in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Thieves were using a vehicle to try and force there way into Bourton Post Office on the High Street.

They were disturbed by a member of the public and then left the scene soon afterwards.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesman for the post office said: "Sorry folks we are closed for a few days.

"Attempted ram raid early this morning...nothing taken just a lot of damage.

"Happy to report everyone safe and well just a little shook up!"

Inspector Simon Ellson, from the Cotswold Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Extensive damage was caused to the post office and although nothing appears to have been stolen, crimes such as this can have a huge impact on the local community.

"The neighbourhood team will be taking part in reassurance patrols over the coming days while the investigation continues."

Gloucestershire County Councillor Cllr Paul Hodgkinson (Bourton) tweeted: "This is appalling. Bourton has now experienced two ram raids in its centre in last 2 years plus ATMs attacked. We need help of Gloucestershire police to get to grips with who is behind this latest crime."

Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area in the early hours of this morning, or has any information which would help them with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 29 of August 29.