Four people suspected of trying to steal a cash machine from a Canterbury convenience store are in police custody this morning.

The hunt for the raiders led police more than 50 miles away to Essex.

It followed a break in at the Londis store in St Dunstan's where intruders smashed through the front door and tried unsuccessfully to remove the free standing cash machine. But cash was stolen from the till.

Police say they received a report at 2.47am today that a burglary was taking place in a shop in St Dunstan’s Street.

During the incident, damage was caused to the front door of the building, and also to a freestanding cash machine situated inside the shop.

After the alarm was raised officers contacted the Met Police which led to a suspect vehicle being stopped in Dagenham and the arrests.

A 30-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, both from Dagenham, a 30-year-old man from Romford, and a 34-year-old man from Evesham (Worcestershire) were all arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They currently remain in custody while inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the city centre at the time or shortly before the incident, is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/55469/19.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously on 0800 555111.