A shop front was left badly damaged after ram-raiders targeted a petrol station in the early hours of the morning.

The Tesco Express petrol station in London Road, Larkfield, was cordoned off by police this morning following the burglary, and detectives are now appealing for information.

Footage from the scene of the ram-raid

The store had been closed when the raid happened and police were called at around 2.25am. A vehicle was deliberately reversed into the store entrance, a police spokesperson said.

A black Land Rover was left on the forecourt with its engine running and has since been identified as stolen.

The spokesperson added it is believed the suspects left in a second vehicle, described as a black or grey Jaguar. Inquires are continuing to establish what may have been stolen from the store.

Cllr Anita Oakley, who represents Larkfield South, said she was "appalled" by the scene this morning.

She said: "I am appalled to see the contents of the shop spilling over the forecourt. The shop has been rammed by a vehicle, it's gone right into the shop and burst in.

"Everyone will be most inconvenienced, loads of people come here to do their top-up shop.

"It's bizarre and not something that we are used to. I just hope it is not the beginning of a trend.

"It's a lovely area, we are not used to this sort of thing. I hope they catch the culprits.

Susan Armstrong, a nearby resident, said she didn't hear anything last night.

She added that the burglary was "a bit unnerving", but did she didn't feel less safe in the area because of what had happened.

She said the area was usually quiet and the people in the store are friendly.

One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous said: "We quite often hear police going up and down but I didn't this morning, perhaps I just don't notice it any more."

A statement issued by Tesco said: “Our Larkfield Esso Express store remains closed following a robbery last night which has caused significant damage.

"We’re working hard to get started on repairs so that the store can re-open but it will likely remain closed for a number of weeks.

"We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes for our customers.”

Anyone with information, or who may have seen anything suspicious, should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/161908/21.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.

Read more: all the latest news from Malling.