Two men have appeared in court charged with conspiring to steal after the attempted theft of a cash machine from a Whitehaven shop.

Jonathon MacKenzie, 31, of Otterburn Close, Darlington, and Mark Cooke, 37, of Pearson Street, Spennymoor, Durham, were arrested following an incident at Spar in Hensingham, which happened at around 2.30am on Tuesday.

They appeared at Workington Magistrates’ Court on Friday, speaking only to confirm their name, date of birth and home address.

The pair will be remanded in custody until their case is heard at Carlisle Crown Court on January 7.

A JCB was used to smash into the Spar shop during an early morning raid.

Cooke has also been charged with producing a quantity of cannabis while MacKenzie will face a charge of possessing a quantity of cannabis.

Detective Inspector Matt Scott said: “While we do have two suspects appearing in court today [Friday], we are continuing our work to identify and arrest others allegedly involved in this incident.

“I would continue to urge anyone with information which could assist our detectives to come forward.”

Anyone with information about the incident, who has yet to come forward, is asked to contact Cumbria Police via email at 101@cumbria.police.uk or on non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.