THIS is the moment that CCTV captured two men attempting to break open a cash machine with a chainsaw.

The men forced their way into 1st Qibla Tours on Whalley New Road shortly before midnight on Monday night.

The footage shows sparks flying as the men attempted to access the cash machine inside the travel agents.

Business owner Muhammed Shafiq from Blackburn said that although the men were unsuccessful in their attempt to break into the machine, they caused around £15,000 worth of damage.

The raiders gave up and left the scene through the back of the building, leaving the chainsaw behind.

Mr Shafiq said: “I got the call from the police at 12.20am, shortly after I’d gone to bed.

“I couldn’t believe what had happened but when I saw the CCTV footage I was pleased to see that the doors had held up so well.

“They used a massive chain saw to try and break into the cash machine, but quickly realised they didn’t have the right tools for the job and gave up.

“All the safety measures we had in place worked and the police were alerted by their attempts to get into the cash machine.

“I’m worried that they will come back and try again with better tools, but we’re already adding in extra security measures.”

A spokesman from Lancashire Police said: “Our enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information should call 101 and quote crime number ED1714551.”