MEN in balaclavas used an explosive to try and break into a cash machine at a bank in Warlingham in the early hours of Sunday morning.
East Surrey CID said a device was used to detonate the machine at the NatWest bank on The Green at around 2.45am.
Three men wearing balaclavas were seen fleeing the bank and two vehicles, including a van and a high-performance sports car, were also spotted in vicinity.
The blast caused extensive damage to the cash machine and to the ceiling of the ground floor of the bank.
Police are investigating whether the incident could be connected to another offence in Coulsdon later on Sunday morning currently being investigated by the Met Police.
It is understood that despite detonating the device no money was stolen during the Warlingham incident.
Officers from Tandridge SaferNeighbourhood Team are assisted detectives with their investigation by carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the nearby area.
Detective Constable Kerry Akehurst, leading the investigation, said: "I would appeal to anyone who was out-and-about in the Warlingham area during the early hours of this morning who may have seen either the vehicles we suspect to be involved in the incident or anything else suspicious which may connect to contact us with information.
"I would also appeal to anyone who has their suspicions around someone they know, who they believe may be involved in this incident, if you are that person, please share this information with us. Sometime, for whatever reason, you may wish to provide information anonymously and this can be done through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"We have had a number of recent similar incidents reported in the Surrey and south London area and part of our investigation will be to establish whether the crimes are connected but at this time it is too early to say."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140105339. Information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
