Police have launched an investigation after a car was allegedly driven into the front of a barber shop, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Berkan Yakit was due to start trading in Hythe High Street this Friday, but was left “devastated” to find the front of his shop destroyed in the early hours of Monday morning.

It is believed that a red Kia Ceed collided with the front of the property just after midnight, before the driver left the scene.

Now officers are urging witnesses to come forward.

A force spokesperson said: “On Monday morning police received several calls reporting that the front fascia of a premises in the high street had been destroyed.

“Investigators are urging witnesses to come forward following alleged damage to a business in Hythe.

“Patrols attended and an investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing.”

Mr Yakit, who lives in Ashford, told KentOnline that he estimates the damage will set him back about £10,000.

The new shop, which is called BestMan Barbers, is set to be Mr Yakit’s first business and he is hopeful he can still get it ready to open in the coming weeks.

“I’m devastated. We were so excited to open and now this has happened,” he said.

“We were planning to open on Friday but now we are going to have to delay this.

“Nothing will stop us. We will still get this shop open and it's going to push us on more.”

Anyone with information that could assist officers with their enquiries, including CCTV footage, should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/11962/24.

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