A TOTAL of 12 people arrested in Walthamstow, Chingford, Highams Park and Woodford Green by police investigating a £2.2 million cash machine theft spree have been bailed until Thursday, May 8.

The arrests were in connection with a series of 24 cash machine break-ins at railway stations, garages and service stations across the country.

Operation Flatline is an ongoing investigation into thefts of and from cash machines at railway stations, service stations and drive-through restaurants across Britain since April, 2007.

Det Sgt Paddy Kerr, of the British Transport Police, said two further people, a 28-year-old woman from Leyton and a 48-year-old woman from Walthamstow, were released without charge.

DS Kerr said: "The total loss over the past 18 months is believed to be in excess of £2.2 million, including the theft of cash along with damage to the ATM machines. Of the 14 people arrested as a result of the raids, 12 have been bailed to May 8, pending further police inquiries."