Managers of a country park and police need witnesses after equipment worth more than £18,000 was stolen in a break-in.

Thieves broke into Betteshanger Park and stole a quad bike and maintenance equipment.

Now managers have put out CCTV pictures of the break-in the hope of catching the thieves.

Three suspects are visible in the images, some of which are show on the park's Facebook page.

Richard Morsley, director of Betteshanger Sustainable Parks, said: "We were shocked and upset by the incident.

" The acts of a few individuals has had a substantial impact on our ability to operate the park for our community.

"We work hard to maintain the park and the equipment that has been taken will sadly effect how our estate team can manage the facility through the busy spring growing season."

"Despite the setback, we have worked quickly to make the park safe and open to visitors again.

" We have been overwhelmed by the support and well wishes from our visitors."

Managers say that the break-in took place between 2am and 4am on Monday last week .

Damage was caused to the cycle hire area and shelter and a number of storage containers were also broken into.

Equipment taken was leaf blowers, strimming tools and a blue Yamaha 350 Grizzly quad bike, registration number YJ08 XKF.

The quad is an agricultural model with distinctive fittings.

Bicycles were also stolen and a number of vending machines were broke into.

The park had to close to the public for the rest of that Monday and the next day to deal with the aftermath of the raid.

It re-opened at 8am next last Wednesday.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Information is being sought after a quad bike, strimmers and power tools were reported stolen from storage containers near Deal.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries into the burglary."

Betteshanger Park, in Sandwich Road, Deal, was created in 2007 and takes over the spoil land from the former Betteshanger Colliery.

That was the last of the four pits to shut, closing 30 years ago, on August 26, 1989.

Anyone with information concerning the burglary should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting the crime reference 46/52154/19.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously on 0800 55511