BY AISHA IQBAL

A WARFIELD post office has been forced to close after a ram raid on Saturday night left it with thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The car, thought to be a BMW, was deliberately reversed into the premises of Cranbourne Stores and Winkfield Post Office in Squirrel Lane, Warfield, causing what has been described as "severe structural damage".

The ram-raid happened at around 11.15 pm on Saturday, and after gaining access to the building, the culprits made off with a cash register.

Area beat officer PC Martin Bell has already been speaking to local residents following the incident, but has appealed for more information from any

witnesses who have not yet come forward.

He is particularly keen to trace a dark-coloured vehicle, believed to be a BMW, and anyone acting suspiciously in the area just before or just after the incident.

PC Bell said: "I am keen to trace this vehicle which will have noticeable damage to its rear.

"The offenders may have stopped off at a local garage after the incident to buy

some oil, as there was a fair amount of oil leakage at the scene."

Since the incident on Saturday, July 19, the store

has remained closed and is

not expected to open until

early next week, while

construction work is carried out.

Those with information about the incident can contact

PC Bell through the Police Enquiry Centre on (0845) 850 5505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.