Two charity shops in Deal have been targeted by thieves attempting to break-in.

Sue Ryder and the Red Cross shop in the High Street saw an attempted break-in in the late hours of Tuesday night.

Joan Bull, manager of the Red Cross shop explained that severe damage to the shop door has meant the shop was unable to trade yesterday and this morning.

Vandals forced the lock and smashed the glass but were unable to enter.

She added: "We've lost a day and a half of trading, that's a day and a half without donations.

"All we try to do and all the charity shops in Deal try to do is raise as much funds and awareness as possible and for this to happen not to one charity shop but to two is just appalling."

Mrs Bull confirmed that police attended the scene to take forensic evidence for the investigation.

She added: "Even if repairs cost £200 or £300 that is money from the society which should have been spent on something else."

A spokesman from Sue Ryder confirmed that there was an attempted break-in and nothing was stolen.