Ram raiders used two 4x4 vehicles to smash into a Meopham store and swipe a cash machine from inside.

A Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4-Runner were used to "gain access" to the shop, in Wrotham Road, Meopham, on Saturday.

The thieves then loaded the machine onto the Jeep, before escaping along Meopham Road.

Police were alerted just before 3am on the Saturday.

Later on the same day, the two vehicles were located in an outbuilding of a field situated in the area of Nurstead Church lane in Meopham.

A cash machine, thought to be the one stolen, has been found in Headcorn.

No-one was hurt in the incident and no weapons were used.

Detective Inspector Ian Dampier said: "A number of local residents have already contacted us with information, which we are extremely grateful for and we would encourage anyone who witnessed the incident take place to contact Kent police as a priority.

"An investigation is under way and Crime Scene Investigators have attended the scene of the incident as well as the location where the vehicles were discovered.

"We will also be viewing CCTV from the area and have a number of leads to follow."

Anyone with information can contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.