Kent residents were woken in the early hours of yesterday by the sound of a digger attempting to rip a cash machine from a wall.

Police were alerted to the incident by numerous calls by people in the area who were woken at 3.10am by the digger which was seen moving backwards and forwards, crashing into the Nationwide building society in Station Road, Longfield.

However, the raiders' attempts were unsuccessful and they were forced to flee empty-handed, abandoning the earth moving machine.

Police believe the digger may have been stolen but inquiries are continuing.

Detective Sergeant Mike Worrall said: "We received numerous calls from residents in the area who describe seeing a group of people in dark clothing.

"All those involved then made off at around 3.25am along Kent Road in a white four-door saloon type car."

He has appealed for witnesses or anyone who has information to contact him at Gravesend police station on 01474 565135 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

DS Worrall added: "A lot of people live in the area and probably witnessed the incident. We'd like to speak to them about any information they have, however small or insignificant it may seem."

Station Road remains closed while investigations by Kent Police continue at the scene.