Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Aug 1 - Unable to break open the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of a private bank here, robbers took away the entire machine late Friday night.

But two policemen chased them and got the ATM back before it could be broken open. The thieves escaped.

The ICICI Bank ATM, which contained over Rs.500,000 in cash, was robbed from Shimla Pahadi crossing, a popular point in this town 140 km from state capital Chandigarh.

ATM guard Sandeep Singh told police Saturday that two people came to the ATM followed by others. They beat him up, uprooted the ATM and took it away in a car.

But a police constable and a volunteer of the Home Guards chased the robbers and forced them to flee after abandoning the getaway car.

Apart from the ATM, the police found a gas cutter and a gas cylinder from the Maruti Zen car used by the robbers. They also found a mobile phone and a wallet, presumably of the thieves.

Raids were being conducted to nab them, district police chief Pramod Ban told media here.