A GANG of robbers tried to steal money by reversing a stolen lorry into a cash handling depot.

The raid targeted the Loomis branch in Mark Way, Swanley, on April 26.

Police officers were called after the men, who were all wearing balaclavas, reversed a skip lorry into a cash transfer bay at 9.15pm.

Kent police say witnesses saw four men and believe one of them was armed with a handgun.

Staff at the branch activated an alarm and the robbers failed to breach the security systems and steal any cash.

The men made their getaway in a white panel van which was later found burnt out, along with the skip lorry.

Both vehicles have been taken away for forensic examination.

A spokesman for Loomis, the cash handling service division of Securitas, confirmed the attempted robbery had taken place.

He said: "Our security defences and procedures were successful in thwarting the attack and ensuring the safety of our staff.

"No loss occurred. We are providing assistance to Kent police to apprehend those responsible."

Colin Knight, the sales manager at Cheale Quality Foods, also in Mark Way, said : "Obviously this isn't the sort of thing we want to happen.

"It's lucky none of us were coming in at that time of night because we could have been caught up in it."

He added: "I would have thought we should see a few more police cars in the area."

However Frank McConnell, director of the Swanley and District Chamber of Commerce, said: "Now Swanley police station is open 24 hours a day, we feel policing in the area has improved no end.

"But having all those police cars running around the place doesn't prevent people being opportunistic and having a go."

Kent police are appealing for witnesses to the attempted robbery.

Anyone with any information should call 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.