Thieves used a digger to steal a cash machine from an Asda supermarket, heavily damaging the building.

A police cordon is in place around the store in Longfield Road in Tunbridge Wells after officers were called to the scene at 3.34am.

Police are linking the ram raid with another burglary overnight at the recycling centre also on Longfield Road.

The scene after the cash machine raid

Detective Inspector James Derham said: "The cash machine burglary took place in a busy industrial area of the town and we are asking for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously or saw a large vehicle leaving the north farm estate area around the time of the incident."

Writing on Twitter, Will Vernon said: "Eventful morning, Southeastern not running trains on Hastings line to London.

"I got a lift to Tonbridge and when driving past Asda it looks like someone has been enjoying a bit of late night shopping."

Paul Glover tweeted: "Apparently the Asda in Tunbridge Wells has been ramraided by a JCB."

An Asda spokesperson the shop will remain closed until futher notice.

"Our Tunbridge Wells store is temporarily closed following an incident this morning whilst we assist the police with their investigation," he said. "We’d like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep them informed about when the store is due to reopen. For any questions in the meantime, customer services is available on 08009 520101."

Anyone who has any information or who has CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 04-121

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity ‘Crimestoppers in Kent’ anonymously on 0800 555111.

For more news on crime in the county, click here.