Police in Darenth are appealing for witnesses after thieves are believed to have used a digger to steal an ATM in Darenth early this morning.

The daring thieves raided the cash point at the Co-op supermarket in Watchgate at around 3:15am on Wednesday, July 10.

A mechanical digger is reported to have been used to remove the cash machine from the front of the store, which was then loaded onto the back of a vehicle and driven away.

Officers from Kent Police attended the scene and carried out a search of the local area with assistance from the National Police Air Service helicopter.

The cash machine was located inside a nearby barn shortly after 5am but it is not believed any money had been removed from it.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are leading the investigation and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about who is responsible.

Investigating officers are also keen to hear from anyone travelling in the area at the similar time who may have dash cam footage.

Witness are being asked to call the appeal line on 01474 366149 quoting reference 10-0102.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.