A village supermarket has been left in tatters after it was ram raided in a cash machine theft.

The Coop in Istead Rise is surrounded by police tape following the burglary in the early hours.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Officers were called at 12.30am after reports the ATM had been stolen.

A black Land Rover Discovery was driven through the front of the shop, just outside Gravesend.

Four men were then reported to have stolen the cash machine from inside before putting it in another vehicle, which was waiting nearby.

A high speed pursuit followed where officers chased a vehicle into Essex.

However, police tweeted they lost the vehicle "due to speeds involved".

The Land Rover Discovery was left at the scene.

Inquiries are ongoing and officers are attempting to locate the other vehicle.

No arrests have been made.

Cllr John Knight (Con), who represents Istead Rise, said: "It’s disappointing and concerning.

"This is not the first time the Coop has been targeted.

"The Coop is in constant use during the day by local residents, there’s always a queue.

"Local residents are totally reliant on it, partly because the bus service is not great.

"Only a couple of weeks ago, the Indian restaurant was broken into.

"It seems to be that in a couple of weeks we've had two targeted incidents.

"Hopefully it will be back up and running soon."

Iain Hartley, owner of Istead Rise Butchers, said: "It's a shame isn't it, what can I say, it's just a disruption to the shops really.

"Most of our community are pretty supportive of the local shops, so we've just got to wait until it gets re-opened.

"Hopefully it will be back to normal as soon as possible."

Kent Police spokesman Vicki Foster said: "Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information which may assist the investigation."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference number 15-0025.

Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.