DETECTIVES are today investigating two cash machine raids that occurred just minutes apart at separate locations in the county.

In the first incident, at around 3am this morning, a gang using a 4x4 vehicle failed in its attempt to steal a cash machine at a service station in Forstal Road, Aylesford, near Maidstone.

About 15 minutes later three men removed a free-standing cash machine from inside the Hempstead Valley shopping centre in Gillingham.

A Mitsubishi 4x4 thought to have been used in the raid was seen in Wigmore Road in Rainham soon afterwards. The cash machine was found abandoned intact nearby. Its not believed any money was taken.

Police say the raids are not being linked at this stage, though officers are investigating any similarities between them.

Anyone with any information about the raids is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 690690 or call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.