WATCH: JCB set alight moments after post office is ram raided

Alexander Harper, of Church Street, and his wife were woken up at about 3.45am today by an alarm sounding from the post office on Market Place.

He said: 'Hearing loud bangs we looked out the window.

'My neighbours were on the street and had already called the police.

'I heard a car pull away. Then we went in for a closer look.

Moments after Reepham post office ram raid. Picture: ALEXANDER HARPER (Image: Archant)

'Initially I was very worried. I wasn't a hundred per cent sure what was on fire. There was a lot of smoke. But the fire brigade came pretty fast and got everything under control.'

Mr Harper's footage shows firefighters extinguishing the JCB, which was set on fire after being used to ram the shop. Smoke could still be seen coming from the vehicle at 8am this morning.

Police have launched an investigation following the incident .

Officers were called at 3.45am to reports of a burglary where suspects used a JCB to remove the cash machine from outside the building before loading it onto what is believed to be a flat bed truck.

Reepham post office following ram raid. Picture: REEPHAM POST OFFICE (Image: Archant)

The JCB was left at the scene and set alight and was later found to have be stolen from a property in North Tuddenham.

No one was injured as a result of the incident and the road has been cordoned off and closed while police continue their enquiries.

Firefighters from Aylsham and Reepham were despatched at 3.49am to scene to extinguish the blaze, using breathing apparatus and hose jets.

A similar raid was carried out at the town's HSBC bank in 2012 , although the branch is now closed.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information concerning it.

Witnesses should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 36/24189/18.