The hunt is on for a gang of ram raiders who targeted three Kent village stores overnight on Friday.

Attempts were made to remove cash machines from the shops between about 1.30am and 2.30am.

The first incident happened just before 1.30am at a food and wine store in Canterbury Road, Lyminge.

Two men wearing balaclavas smashed the window using sledgehammers. They failed to get the cash machine and left the scene after causing considerable damage.

Store owner Thevalingam Thevakumar saw the drama unfold and called the police.

~ Audio: Mr Thevakumar describes the raid to kmfm's Sarah Marshall >>>

The second was at the Co-op in Churchfield Way in Wye at around 1.45am Again the raiders failed to remove the free-standing cash machine. The store has been targeted before.

The third incident took place just before 2.30am in Honeywood Road, Lenham at a convenience store. A 4x4 vehicle was crashed into the front of the shop causing a lot of damage.

The vehicle was abandoned in the middle of the road as they left the scene. The cash machine was also left behind. Honeywood Road is temporarily closed while surveyors assess the structural damage.

DCI Isobel Gibson, the senior officer investigating the three cases, said: "Clearly these people had no consideration for anyone in the area or the damage they have caused."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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