The convenience store in Hamstreet, near Ashford, has suffered major damage after ram raiders crashed a digger into it and stole a cash machine. Thieves made off with the ATM machine in a 4x4 and a pickup truck stolen earlier from Littlestone in New Romney after the raid that took place yesterday morning (9th April).

Police were called to the shop just after 2am by residents who saw the raid.

Witnesses reported three raiders, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, driving off towards Tenterden on the B2067 in a white Mazda pickup truck and a silver 4x4. The white truck, with a registration M539 EAV, was stolen from an address in Littlestone, New Romney, on 6th April.

The ATM machine along with an undisclosed amount of money was found later with the two burnt out vehicles in Frittenden.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.