RAM-RAIDERS tried to steal a 'hole in the wall' cash machine from a Kent village shop in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police are hunting at least three offenders after a vehicle was driven into the Co-op at Eythorne Road, Shepherdswell, near Dover, in an effort to take the stand-alone cash point from inside the store.

The raid took place at around 2.45am and afterwards the gang drove off in a 4x4 type vehicle towards the A2.

A pick-up truck and 4x4 were reported on fire in the Stockbury area of Sittingbourne at 5am and police are investigating whether they were used in the raid.

Last Saturday (February 3), ram-raiders caused damage worth thousands of pounds when they smashed into the Co-op in Sandwich in an unsuccessful bid to steal a cash machine.

Police press officer Jon Green said: "We continue to follow a number of lines of inquiry into the cash machine thefts across the county.

"While we will look at any similarities between the thefts we cannot say if any are linked at this stage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01304 240055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.