Thieves tried to blow open a post office cash machine using gas yesterday.

Two men were seen filling the ATM with gas in Kingston Road, Ewell, at 4.55am.

But a member of the public foiled the operation by disturbing them and they fled empty-handed in a getaway car with a third man.

Detective Constable Jason Kelly said: "We believe three men were involved in this incident and they left the area in a silver coloured estate car heading towards Tolworth."

A similar attempt, which Epsom police has said has said involving the same getaway car, took place on Monday night.

Amended: Epsom police originally said the Monday night attempt was in Kingston, but the Met Police later said the attempt was in fact Twickenham.

Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team said on its Facebook page yesterday that men were seen "possibly using gas to explode a cash ATM".

The team said: "The two male suspects were disturbed and left abruptly in a grey/silver Audi Estate.

"A battery, possibly used to detonate the gas, was left at the scene."

Back in August a cash machine was blown up in Kew Village and last month an ATM in a garage in Richmond caught fire as three men attempted to blow it up.

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DC Kelly said: "I would ask that if anyone saw anything suspicious in the area in the time before this happened to please get in touch, likewise if you saw the car leaving the area, we would like to hear from you."

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101, or via the online reporting system at www.surrey.police.uk, quoting the reference number P14317183.

Alternatively you can report it anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.