A Range Rover found on fire near Riverside retail park has been linked to an attempted robbery at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Cheshire Police say.

Firefighters found the vehicle 'well alight' when they were called at 9.40am this morning, Friday, and have been using hose reel jets to extinguish the flames in Howley. 

Police now say it could be tied to a gang of men seen 'acting suspiciously' by bank staff on Horsemarket Street.

At spokesman said: "At 9.40am this morning Cheshire Police responded to a report of suspicious activity near to a bank in Horsemarket Street, Warrington.

"Four men were seen inside a white vehicle in Town Hill acting suspiciously. 

"Prompt action was taken by the bank staff who locked the doors and the men subsequently left the scene in the vehicle.

"A burned out white vehicle was reported to the police at 9.45am in Hall Street, which is near to Riverside Retail Park.

"Officers are investigating whether this is linked to the earlier incident in Horsemarket Street.

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the areas of Horsemarket Street, Town Hill or Hall Street before 10am today or has any information, which might assist officers with their enquiries, is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 224 of the 16th May or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Witnesses said the white Range Rover Evoque appears to have crashed into a bush near the roadside. 

A Cheshire Fire spokesman confirmed no nearby property has been affected.