Thieves armed with a “crowbar” raided a new Home Bargains store for sweets.

Police were called to the shop in North Lane, Faversham, which used to be home to Morrisons, at about 12.15am on Monday.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said he called the police after he “heard some noises”.

“We saw two people, one with a crowbar, opening the doors,” he explained.

“One man grabbed a basket and ran in and threw stuff outside to the other guy, they ran off with a few boxes of stuff.”

Police quickly arrived and the witness says he believed four staff members were inside at the time.

The budget chain opened on November 2 after Morrisons left the site last year with bosses blaming the store’s unsustainable economic performance.

Bosses at Home Bargains revealed plans to change the 1,709 sq m retail space – by expanding the entrance area and installing a new shop front – last year.

The plans were approved by Swale Borough Council and the site has an in-store bakery and a large chilled and frozen range.

A police spokesperson said: “A man is alleged to have forced entry to the store where he stole a quantity of confectionery.

“An investigation is underway and officers are appealing to anyone with information to call 01795 419119, quoting 46/195700/24.”

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

Home Bargains was unable to comment further.