Barclays Bank in Westerham has been cordoned off after an attempted ram raid in the early hours of this morning.

A 4x4-type vehicle repeatedly smashed into the branch in Market Square at around 1.30am, targeting the cash machine and damaging the building.

Forensic investigations are being carried out - and a Mitsubishi Shogun abandoned in Surrey is also being examined.

Police are also looking into another 4x4 vehicle, which drove off with the first in the direction of Croydon Road.

They are also investigating whether a tree felled across the A25, and another downed in Goodley Stock Road, were linked to the attempted burglary.

Det Sgt Miles Bishop said: "We have a number of lines of inquiry to follow in respect of what is clearly an attempt to remove the cash machine.

"Members of the public have been very helpful in coming forward with information and I would ask that anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to police to contact us.

"Some roads were closed in the area while we carried out initial inquiries, which we appreciate may have inconvenienced residents.

"Every effort was made to re-open these as quickly as possible and we are very grateful to the local community for their patience and understanding.’

Police would also like to hear from anyone who saw similar vehicles in the area around the time the incident occurred and anyone who saw trees being cut down on Goodley Stock Road and Westerham Road sometime before 1.30am.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 (if possible quoting reference 18426) or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name. Information can also be emailed to appeals.westkent@kent.pnn.police.uk