Police are hunting a ram-raiding gang who tried to carve up a cash machine with a chainsaw.

The thieves are wanted after two bungled raids just over an hour apart in the early hours of yesterday.

A county-wide investigation has now been launched to track them down.

The first attempt happened at the BP Petrol Station in Rye Road, Hawkhurst.

Officers were alerted at 1.13am after reports that an ATM was being attacked with a chainsaw.

When police arrived, the offenders had made off in a Jeep empty-handed, leaving behind the battered free-standing machine.

The gang were last seen heading towards Sandhurst and the Sussex border.

Later, at 2:38am, police were called out again after reports that another ATM was being attacked at the Maidstone Services, at junction 8 of the M20 in Hollingbourne.

Four men in a grey coloured Cherokee Jeep were seen smashing through the main causeway of the services and trying to rip out the ATM.

Again, their attempt was aborted and they escaped by driving the Cherokee Jeep across a nearby field towards Hollingbourne.

Police searched the area, but the gang escaped.

DC Adrian Grew, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the Cherokee Jeep in the areas involved before the offences occurred.

"It's thought the Jeep may have been around the Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst a couple of hours before the first attack and those leaving the cinema at 10.30pm could possibly have seen the vehicle.

"If anyone has information about either of these offences they can contact the West Kent Major Enquiry Team on 01732 379 226 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."