A 50-year-old man has been arrested after an early hour break-in at a Wetherspoons drinking hole.

Owners of The Sir Norman Wisdom in Queen Street in Deal say an attempt was made to steal fruit machines about 4.30am.

The man remains in custody.

The pub remained closed until around noon while police assessed the scene.

A Forensic Investigation van arrived at the scene about 9.30am and was in the building for about 40 minutes.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was called to a public house in Queen Street, Deal at 4.31am on Wednesday 2 January 2019, following a report of a suspected burglary.

"A door and fruit machine were reportedly damaged.

"Officers attended the scene, where they recovered a cash box nearby which is believed to been removed from the fruit machine.

"A 50-year old man was arrested in connection with the burglary and remains in custody while enquiries are ongoing."

A sign on the door said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to open until further notice."

A Wetherspoons spokesman said: "The pub had a break in this morning. The police attended and are waiting on CSI to assess the crime scene.

"They said to not open until CSI have been due to the widespread of the crime scene.

"They attempted to steal fruit machines.

"The police currently have a man in custody who was caught leaving the back garden at the time the police turned up."

The popular venue has today begun its January beer sale which runs until Thursday, January 17.