A historic postbox and a parked car were seriously damaged following an early-hours smash.

The decades-old monument in Twiss Road, Hythe, was brought down after a collision involving two cars – one of them parked – at about 4.40am on Saturday (October 12).

It is understood a stationary Nissan Micra was parked next to the postbox before it subsequently ploughed into and damaged the cast iron structure after being struck by a moving vehicle.

Though not in the car at the time, the vehicle’s elderly owner was said to be “shaken up” by the incident.

Bearing the symbol of King George VI, the maildrop would have been built between 1936 and 1952.

It is unknown whether the box can be saved, with Royal Mail acknowledging each similar incident is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Police say officers are working to establish the facts of the case.

A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 4.40am on Saturday 12 October to a report of a collision involving two cars and a post box near to Princes Parade in Hythe.

“Officers attended and enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson added: “The local team is aware and is arranging an assessment of the postbox.”