Pictures show the devastating scene after thieves reversed a 4x4 into the front of a village shop.

Police were called at 4am to the One Stop in High Halden after residents heard a loud bang.

Officers say a Cherokee Jeep reversed into the front of the shop and then strapping was used in an attempt to pull out the ATM.

VIDEO: Damage after the raid in High Halden

The 4x4 then left the scene along Church Hill and was later found on fire in Harbourne Lane.

The thieves did not get away with the cash machine.

Gillian Bryant, who lives next door, says the 4x4 hit the shop several times.

“I heard some voices outside, I jumped out of bed to see what was going on and looked out the window," she said.

"I saw a car reversing in the road and the next thing I knew it was reversing into the shop.

"There was a massive smash, the car proceeded to go back and forth several times.

"It went on for five minutes and the whole house was shaking, it was very scary.

"It was one of the scariest things I have ever seen. I picked up the phone and called 999 straight away."

Store manager Jay Karthik has run the shop for two-and-a-half years.

He said: "First of all I heard someone revving the car and then it got louder and louder.

"The next minute I heard a big noise.

"One guy was standing there and guiding the other guy in the car. I stayed upstairs and looked out the window.

"All I could see was a car going forward and backwards.

"There was a guy with a mask on in the main road trying to guide the driver to reverse into the shop and within two to three minutes they drove off.

"There is big damage, there’s a big mess in the shop and half of the shop is gone.

"It’s going to take us quite a while to fix it. It’s going to cost thousands, the shop front, felling and fitting - everything is damaged."

Chief Inspector Andy Somerville said: "This crime has caused considerable damage at this business and will particularly affect the local community.

"While our investigators are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, we are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or saw the vehicle travelling into High Halden or leaving along Church Hill."

VIDEO: The 4x4 found in Harbourne Lane

Anyone who has information or who has CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/34164/19.