A group of men wielding bats and axes attempted to steal a cashpoint in Cobham during the early hours of February 17.

They tried unsuccessfully to remove the cash machine on the forecourt of Sainsbury’s petrol station, off Portsmouth Road, between midnight and 12.30am.

They fled in a white Transit van and left their weapons when disturbed by police.

Officers are reviewing CCTV evidence and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Hannah Toogood said: “This was a targeted attack on a garage that had closed for the night, and that they were confident would hold large sums of money.

“I would like to appeal to any residents in the area, or anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, in particular on the forecourt of the garage, to contact police immediately.”

* Five men were arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed until March 26.