A cash machine has been stolen from a petrol station in Staplehurst during a ram raid.

Thieves used a digger to rip the ATM from the Esso garage at Iden Park, Cranbrook Road at around 2.50am.

The cash machine was placed on the back of a light-coloured flatbed van, which was driven away in convoy with a white or silver Mitsubishi Shogun and a dark hatchback-style vehicle.

Significant damage has been caused to the station and detectives from the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate are now searching for the culprits.

It is the second time the village has been targeted by ram raiders in a year, with the two incidents happening within a mile of each other. In March, the SPAR shop in Offens Drive was badly damaged after would-be thieves smashed through the front, but left empty handed.

Only last week vandals ripped an ATM from a Co-op store in Harrietsham. No money was taken but the ATM was left hanging from the store's outside wall.

There were 14 ram raids across Kent last year, seven of which were at Co-op stores.

Anyone who witnessed this morning's incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist should call the appeal line on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/15147/20.

They can also ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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