A cafe owner has spoken of his devastation after vandals trashed his popular high street business.

Police are now investigating the break-in at The Gorge in Ashford’s Lower High Street which saw cash taken and the store room robbed.

Owner Fatih Karaoglan was left crushed by the state of his premises when he arrived for work the following morning to find the carnage.

“It really hurts - my heart is broken,” the 35-year-old said.

“When I came in, my shop was broken, the place was a mess.

“I run this business seven days a week, I do it all – cooking, cleaning, anything that’s needed. I don’t make much money but I try to help people wherever I can but this really hurts.

“Not too much was taken but it’s how it made me feel. I’m worried that they could come again.

“I don’t blame everyone. Just because there’s one bad person it doesn’t mean that it’s everybody's fault.”

Items such as the till and back door were damaged during the robbery overnight on Monday, which now needs to be replaced.

The fridge was also damaged and a trail of drink cans lying throughout the restaurant while Mr Karaoglan is taking stock of the food stolen from the kitchen.

Despite the damage, Mr Karaoglan has remained open but did have to spend the early hours cleaning up the chaos left by the vandals, even having to explain the situation to his regular customers.

Those who arrived shortly after opening said they were sorry to hear what had happened to the cafe.

A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at around 8.15 am on Tuesday, March 5 to a report that a restaurant in Ashford High Street had been broken into and that cash was missing from the premises.

“Officers attended and are carrying out inquiries, including a review of local CCTV, while the investigation continues.

“Anyone with information, including relevant CCTV footage, is urged to contact Kent Police quoting 46/35773/24.”