THE front of a supermarket has been ripped out during an attempted robbery of a cash machine by brazen thieves.

Shocking pictures show the damage caused at Sainsbury's in Shandwick Place, Edinburgh following an attempted smash and grab of an ATM at the shop.

The store was targeted at around 3.30am this morning.

Police say three men wearing balaclavas were seen leaving a dark-coloured Audi Q5 and forced entry to the store before removing the ATM from the wall outside.

The thieves made off towards the West End in the Audi -- which is believed to have been a stolen car from Kirkcaldy on Tuesday May 15.

Detective Inspector Graham Grant, who is in charge of the Community Investigation Unit, said: "While the men were successful in gaining entry to the shop, they have been unable to steal the ATM and have left it in the street before making their escape.

"We are continuing our liaison with the store, but it appears nothing has been stolen at this time.

"This is the latest incident involving the stolen Audi from Kirkcaldy and officers from Fife, Midlothian and Edinburgh are all working together to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

"If you have any information that can assist with these ongoing inquiries then please contact police immediately."