A Tesco Express will remain closed for several weeks after a ram raid caused significant damage to the building.

The destruction at the Dymchurch shop happened during an attempted robbery in which a digger was used to try and remove the cash machine from the wall.

The cash machine was not stolen during the attempt but a huge hole was left in the shop.

Structural investigations have taken place at the store, and due to the level of damage it will need significant repairs.

As a result, it will remain closed for the coming weeks.

A Tesco spokeswoman said: “Our Dymchurch Express store is currently closed after an attempted robbery caused significant damage to the structure of the building.

"We know the store is much valued by the community and we’re really sorry this has caused so much unnecessary inconvenience for our customers.

"We’re working hard to reopen, however the most important thing is the safety of the building and carrying out the necessary repair works and unfortunately as a result we don’t foresee reopening for a number of weeks."

All colleagues have been redeployed to alternative nearby Tesco stores.

The attempted robbery happened at 2.15am on Sunday, February 28.

Three vehicles, including a silver 4X4 and a flatbed Ford Transit with a crew cab, are said to have been in the shop’s car park at the time but all left the scene after the incident and are believed to have travelled towards Hythe.

The digger is also believed to have been stolen from the Dymchurch Beach car park at around 1.40am.

Detectives in the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who has information.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "They would also like to obtain dashcam footage from any motorist who was travelling on the A259 in Dymchurch between 1.30am and 2.30am on February 28."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 28-0093 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The following day, it was reported another raid had taken place using a digger, this time successfully.

The cash machine was taken from the Shell Lychgate garage near Dargate, on the A299 Thanet Way between Faversham and Whitstable, and is being linked to the attempted theft in Dymchurch.

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