Detectives are investigating an attempted ram raid at Darent Valley Hospital at about 4am on Tuesday (October 2).

An unknown number of offenders forced their way through the rear doors of the staff canteen at the back of the hospital and placed a metal chain around a cash machine.

They then used a dark blue Cherokee Jeep, stolen from Ashford three days ago, to try and remove the ATM.

They were unable to free the machine and left it and the stolen Jeep before fleeing in another vehicle, believed to be a 4x4.

The cash machine was damaged but no money was stolen.

UPDATE: A 31-year-old man from Longfield has been arrested on suspicion of burglary. He has been bailed until December 12.