THREE stunt bikes were stolen from a travelling circus last night.

Uncle Sam's Great American Circus is visiting Gravesend for five days and opened in Ordnance Road on Wednesday.

But just two days later vandals sliced open the circus tent, cut the chains to where the bikes were kept and made off with them.

Police were called to the circus at 9.15am today after the theft was discovered by owner Peter Mack.

The bikes, which are used to perform the popular Thunderball stunt, are believed to be worth in the region of £7,000-£10,000.

Mr Mack has confirmed that the show will go on, and has found some replacement bikes to use temporarily.

A £1000 reward has also been promised for the safe return of the bikes.

Anybody with information is asked to to alert Mr Mack via the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/AmericanCircus.

Gravesend residents have condemned the crime on Facebook today.

Keeley Macey said: "I'm ashamed to live in Gravesend with such heartless and disgusting people.

"Don't think we're all like that, it's probably just some immature teenagers showing off."

Janey Louise Howse continued: "I watched this show Wednesday night with my little girl and my niece; they loved the part with the bikes the most.

"I am so sorry to hear this, Gravesend should be ashamed."

Sam Wortham added: "Believe me Gravesend may not be the best of places but it's certainly not the worst of places. I’m sorry that this happened."