A rare and distinctive bicycle worth almost £2,000 has been stolen in a shop burglary in Deal.

The folding device, which was one of the first to be manufactured by start-up business Crosshead, had been on display in the window of J. Cosmo, a clothing shop in the High Street.

It was discovered missing by the store co-owner Simon Moules on Sunday morning.

The shop window appeared to have been smashed with a breeze block creating a hole just large enough for the bike but no other items were taken.

Police are now carrying out enquiries.

Stuart Lambert, founder of Crosshead based at Minters Industrial Estate in Deal, said: "This is quite a blow for the Crosshead team.

"The bike is the third production bike sold and was generously lent by its owner for display, a rare and distinctive model.

"Crosshead will build our customer another bike, but could anyone who finds it please return it via Crosshead."

Mr Lambert gave up his day job as a product designer for leading design agencies in London and Milan eight years ago to create the new compact folding bicycles.

He spent the first four years in Greenwich before moving to factory space in Deal with the first model put into production in 2017.

The bikes feature 20inch wheels and 10 speed gears and fold down to a third of their original size, making them easy to store, carry and use on a variety of journeys.

Only a small number are produced and each sell for between £1,800 and £3,000.

Mr Moules, co-owner of J. Cosmo, said: “We’re a family-run business that opened just over a year ago and were very pleased to be able to support and promote a fellow start-up.

"Crosshead is one of a rare breed, a new UK manufacturing business that chose to base themselves in Deal, a town which we love.

"We’re very sorry that Stuart has lost part of his company’s history.

"We’d like to thank everyone who has offered their sympathies and hope the bicycle is found before long."

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 10am on Sunday, May 5 to report a burglary at a shop in High Street, Deal. It is reported a push bike was stolen.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The frame number of the stolen bike is CH18S0003.

If you have any information about the bike call Stuart on 01304 366033 or visit crosshead.co.uk