POLICE have provided an update on what is believed to be a failed ATM theft from back in March.

Residents woke on March 30 to see the front door to the Co-op store, in Whitchurch's Bell Street, completely ripped off and the surrounding area cordoned off.

Witnesses said on social media that they saw “a big white van trying to pull out the cash point” during a robbery in the early hours.

One person wrote: "This was obviously going to happen with the lockdown, it’s just easy pickings for thieves and it’s going to get worse."

Another wrote: "As if people don't have enough to worry about" while a third called out those responsible as being "heartless."

Police at the time confirmed that an ATM was “attacked with a view of attempting to remove it from a business premises” on the same evening that a transit van was reported stolen in the town.

Officers said they believed the two incidents were linked.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary read at the time: “An incident of a transit van having been stolen in Whitchurch last night has been reported to the police.

“Another incident of an ATM having been attacked with a view of attempting to remove it from a business premises has also been reported.

“Significant damage to the premises has occurred as a result of the attempt in removing the ATM.

“Police believe these two incidents are linked to each other.”

The transit van has since been located in Overton.

Responding to a update request from the Advertiser, police have this week revealed that a man has been arrested in that period between March and July.

"A 35-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and attempted burglary," a spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said.

"He was released from custody but remains under investigation."

No charges have been brought against anyone relating to this incident as of yet.

Police are also continuing to appeal to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident take place, to come forward.

Anyone who may have information that could assist police with regards to the incident should call 101 quoting the crime reference number 44200114493.