Shocking footage has emerged showing the moment thieves tried to steal a cash machine by ripping the front off a high street supermarket with a crane.

The video shows the heavy-duty vehicle driving forward into the Sainsbury's Local store in Headcorn, near Maidstone, at about 11.45pm last night.

The crane's forks then rise up into the building causing debris to fall and pile up on the road.

Video: The shocking moment a cash machine is ripped from a supermarket

The video, obtained by KentOnline, then shows the crane appearing to lower a large metal box, believed to be the ATM.

The cash machine is understood to have been placed in the rear of a silver vehicle which left in the direction of Headcorn aerodrome.

The crane, which was left at scene, was later confirmed as stolen from a building site in the area.

Video: cash machine stolen in Headcorn

No injuries have been reported.

The A274 High Street remains closed in both directions between North Street and Station Road while police deal with the incident.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Mark Hedges said: "This type of crime takes planning and has caused disruption to the local community.

"While investigators are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, we are appealing for people to come forwards if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, saw the crane travelling through the village or a silver vehicle driving at speed through the rural area after the incident."

Anyone who has information or who has CCTV or dashcam footage that a may assist the investigation is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 19-1730.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity ‘Crimestoppers in Kent’ anonymously on 0800 555111.