The determined driver repeatedly crashed the stolen vehicle into a Kirkcaldy supermarket before taking off on foot empty handed, according to an eyewitness.

The six-tonne Benford Swivel Dumper was left lodged in the side of the building, causing extensive damage to the brickwork.

​It had been stolen from a business in the town’s Hayfield Industrial Estate.

Police have sealed off the Cooperative store on Lauder Road following the attempted raid at around 3.15am this morning.

The south-west corner of the building was caved as a result of the assault, with the plant machine abandoned at the scene.

One eyewitness told the local Courier newspaper that a single person appeared to be involved in the incident.

The local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I was sleeping in the front room and I heard some banging outside.

“This was at the back of 3am.

“I thought it might have been someone hitting my car.

“I looked out and I saw this guy, about 23 to 25 years old, and he kept ramming the wall.

“He hit it four times, gave up and jumped off and ran towards the back of the Fife Society for the Blind building.”

Detective Inspector Graeme Dursley of Kirkcaldy CID said: “The premises will remain closed while we conduct our investigations at the scene and a full assessment of the damage to the building will need to be carried out.

“I’d urge anyone who may have been in the area of Hayfield Industrial Estate or Lauder Road in the early hours of the morning to get in touch.

“If you saw any suspicious behaviour or may have witnessed the truck travelling between these two locations, then please come forward.” ​