THIEVES smashed three games machines at a York pub and stole the cash in an early-morning break-in.

They struck at the Punch Bowl in Blossom Street, beside Micklegate Bar, at 3.45am yesterday. Police were called after an alarm sounded, and officers found the pub had been broken into at the rear, a North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said. She said the suspects had damaged three machines and stolen the contents. The Press understands the offenders also tried unsuccessfully to steal the contents of a fourth machine. Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 and quote reference 12120106438.