THIEVES smashed their way inside Fairfield General Hospital and stole tens of thousands of pounds from a cash machine.

Five men carried out the raid at the hospital in Rochdale Old Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning, making off with an estimated £29,000.

They used a vehicle to remove the cash machine, from which they stole the cash box.

A vending machine was also damaged in the break-in, but no staff were harmed in the incident.

Glynis Jones, security management specialist at the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said security staff are reviewing CCTV footage and working with the police and supporting them in their investigation.

He said security has been stepped up at the site.

Anyone with information should police on 101 and quoting the reference number 160 of October 18, 2016, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.