Police have arrested two men in connection with a ram-raid on Keighley’s Halifax bank.

The men, both from the Bradford area, have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers had also recovered two vehicles and a cash machine as part of their ongoing investigation.

A gang wrecked the front of the Halifax bank, in Low Street, and escaped with a cash machine from inside the building early last Thursday. They used a Land Rover to smash their way into the premises at about 3.25am.

A spokesman for Airedale and North Bradford CID said: “Thieves attached chains to a cash point and then pulled it from the wall using a Land Rover Discovery, which is believed to have been stolen.

“The cash machine, which contained an amount of cash, was then loaded into a white people carrier by the group who drove from the scene in that vehicle and an electric blue Subaru Impreza.

“Officers believe the raid may have been carried out by a group of three males in dark clothing wearing balaclavas.”

Police cordoned off a section of Low Street last Thursday morning while they investigated the attack, which left glass and other debris strewn across the road.

The building’s front door was completely destroyed by the vehicle’s impact.

Acting Det Insp Bob Iles, of Airedale and North Bradford police, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who has information about this or anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who saw a large white vehicle being driven nearby just before or after the offence took place.”

Information can be given to the CID on 0845 6060606 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The outside of the Superdrug premises, opposite the Halifax, was also damaged during the incident.

Several large, glass storefront panels had to be boarded up. The shop’s manager said the thieves reversed their vehicle into the building at least once. “They bent the window frames so we’ll need to replace three of our windows,” she said.

A Halifax bank spokesman said the company would not be commenting on the incident while police inquiries were ongoing.

The bank was open for business again this week though its two external cash points remained out of action.