Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to a unit on an industrial estate after it was allegedly ram-raided by a Jeep.

The Electrotec Repair Centre, on the Ellingham Industrial Estate, Ellingham Way, Ashford, was targeted between 1.35am and 1.45am on Tuesday.

It is believed that the raiders rammed the main doorway with a Cherokee-styled vehicle, before driving off.

They then returned in a van on two more occasions early that morning, according to the manager Alan Lacey.

Manager of the machinery repair experts, Mr Lacey, confirmed that a quantity of goods had been stolen, but that a count-up of stock was still taking place.

He said it will take up to a month for the business to recover from the incident, despite it remaining open immediately afterwards.

Mr Lacey said: “A few bits have been stolen but it is more the damage they have caused.

“They came right through the door and into the shop, they did the main doors.”

It is estimated, at the moment, that up to £10,000 worth of damage has been caused.

The vehicle had shunted the front desk, an office, the till and had broken items that belong to the centre’s customers that were in for repair.

This also included damaging a computer and the firm’s internet access.

A police spokesman said: "Entry was gained to the business premises by damaging the front shutter doors. It is said a quantity of power tools have been stolen."

Mr Lacey said the last time a similar incident happened was some eight years ago, where a whopping £30,000 worth of damage was caused.

The business has been established in Ellingham Way for 19 years.

A CCTV surveillance system was installed on Tuesday, just hours after the raid took place.

Anyone with information that can help is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/037450/16.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.