Thieves tried to rip out a cash machine at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup in a late night raid.

An unknown number of suspects in a Jeep Cherokee 4x4 attempted to steal the ATM from the main entrance at just after 2.15am on Monday (August 18).

It is thought they attempted to attach the cash machine to the vehicle and drive off with it, but it became detached and was left abandoned on the road outside.

Police found the Jeep later that morning after it was dumped in nearby Tyron Way.

Enquiries continue and no arrests have been made.

Detective Constable Barry Rowe, from the Met's Flying Squad, said: "We're keen to hear from anyone who may have either witnessed the incident itself or who may have seen anything suspicious in or near to Tyron Way.

“This has caused a great deal of disruption for the hospital and all the people that use it, and we're determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice."

A spokesman for Oxleas NHS Trust, which runs Queen Mary's, said: "Urgent repair works have taken place to the main entrance of Queen Mary's and the entrance was open as usual following an incident involving a vehicle in the early hours of the morning.

"Hospital staff acted promptly and police immediately were called.

“No member of staff, patient or member of the public was involved in the incident.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.