This is the dramatic moment ram raiders smashed into a post office and stole a cash machine — before struggling to load it into the boot of their getaway car.

The incident happened just before 2am on Tuesday in Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill, East London.

Video footage shows three hooded men using rope attached to a truck to haul the ATM away from the store front, tearing a part of the building away with it.

They then attempt to open the machine with an angle grinder before struggling to load it into the back of a getaway car and fleeing the scene. 

The moment hooded men pulled the ATM from the front of the store, destroying a part of the building (pictured)

One man tried to get into the cash machine using an angle grinder (pictured)

The hooded men struggled to load the ATM into the back of the getaway car (pictured)

Footage from Facebook showing the aftermath of the ram raid at Harold Hill in East London

A spokesperson for Met Police said: 'On Tuesday, 21 May officers were called to Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill at around 02:00 to reports of a burglary.

'Officers attended the scene and carried out all relevant enquiries, a crime scene in currently in place.

'At this early stage, there have been no arrests.'

Photos circulating of the aftermath of the ram raid show the store front completely destroyed.

Crates of fresh food, bottles and broken glass lie scattered across the pavement and a police cordon in place.  

Witnesses to the incident have been asked to contact Met Police on 101 quoting reference number CAD436/21MAY.