A bank targeted by thieves in a ram raid may not reopen for several weeks.

Police cordoned off Natwest in The Parade, Staplehurst after a specialist tractor smashed into the building at 3.30am on Friday.

The cash machine is reported to have then been lifted onto a flatbed vehicle, which was seen heading towards Cranbrook.

The tractor, a Merlo telehandler which is used for heavy lifting, was found stopped next to the scene with its lights still on later that morning.

Police are still working to locate the suspects, and have issued an appeal urging anyone with information to come forward. Officers have now left the scene and the tractor has been removed.

A spokesman for Natwest said assessments were still being carried out on the structure of the building, and that it may be several weeks before it can reopen.

The entire front section of part of the bank was missing following the ram raid.

Anyone with information about the ram raid should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 22-0150. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.