KENT Police are still searching for ram-raiders who targeted a supermarket store in Northfleet at the weekend.

The robbers used a giant caterpillar-track earth digger and escaped with two cash machines from the wall at Sainsbury's, just off Pepper Hill. It is thought they got away with about £100,000.

They left a large hole in the wall, leaving behind a pile of broken bricks and smashed glass scattered outside.

Police are linking the robbery, which occurred shortly after 2.30am on Saturday, to two explosions heard later in the Meopham area, a few miles away.

They believe that the two getway vehicles used in the Sainsburys robbery were set alight by the offenders in Sole Street, and that the explosions were caused by gas cannisters which could have been used by the robbers to open up the cash machines.

Explosives experts were called to the Meopham scene.

The store was not open for business when the robbers struck, having closed at 10pm on Friday night. Although there was a skeleton staff crew on duty replenishing shelves, no member of staff was hurt.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone the Gravesend Crime Unit on 01474 565 167