A GROUP of criminals have 'slipped the net' following reports of another ram raid in West Oxfordshire.

Residents reported seeing the Co-op in Shilton Park being rammed by a vehicle in the early hours of this morning.

It is believed that the cash machine was chained and pulled out of the shop by a number of masked men.

Others heard sirens and a police helicopter as the force searched the offenders at around 1.30am.

NPAS Benson, which operates the police helicopter, Tweeted: "2am - helping Thames Valley Police Carterton look for a vehicle involved in crime.

"Slipped the net this time unfortunately."

Thames Valley Police spokesman, Gareth Ford-Lloyd, said: "At 1.30am there was a ram raid at the Co-op at Shilton Park, Marigold Square.

"The cash machine was taken - a number of male offenders.

"No one has been arrested at this stage."

He added that an investigation was ongoing and urged anyone with information to call 101.

A spate of similar ram raids has plagued the county in recent months - with supermarkets in Oxford, Charlbury, Grove, Didcot, Chipping Norton and Carterton being hit.

At the end of March, police said they were working with partner agencies and neighbouring police forces to tackle ram raiders.