This was the scene of devastation after ram raiders failed in a night-time attempt to snatch a safe from a Kent cash and carry.

Thieves smashed a JCB-type digger into Batleys Cash and Carry, Gillingham, at about 5.15am Saturday, and tried to remove the safe, but were thwarted and left it at the scene.

Police were alerted by firefighters, who had been sent to the scene after an automatic fire alarm went off.

When crews arrived they discovered a large hole in the wall and the digger and flat-back lorry abandoned at the scene.

The safe was removed but abandoned unopened.

Firefighters called Medway police, who cordoned off the area to carry out further investigations. No arrests have been made.

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