A FAILED ram-raid at a village post office ended with the vehicle bursting into flames and thieves fleeing without the cash.

Firefighters were called to the post office on the corner of Lower Road, Hextable, near Swanley, at about 1.30am on Monday.

Part of the building had collapsed on to the lorry before the fire began but the post office's cash point was too far to the rear of the building for the thieves to reach and they fled empty-handed.

Four men in balaclavas were spotted driving away from the scene in two grey 4x4 vehicles towards Sutton-at-Hone.

Det Sgt Tom Duff, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the flatbed lorry in the time leading up to the raid. We know the T-registered Leyland DAF was stolen from Addington on Saturday, October 30."

Firefighters from Dartford and Swanley broght the blaze under control.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY’S SWANLEY MESSENGER