Escape room entrepreneurs say their plans to open their new family entertainment centre are still on track despite a break-in.

Owners of The Panic Room in Gravesend – Alex and Monique Souter – have been renovating the unit at the back of the former BHS store but said offenders busted their way in last week.

Police confirmed officers are investigating allegations of a burglary on Wednesday, August 17 at around 3.15am.

It is reported that four suspects forced entry to the commercial premises, which is under renovation. The only items which seem to have been stolen are two screwdrivers.

Alex said: "It was not as bad as it could have been. We have been up against the wall to get it going, so for people to do this it is not ideal.

"As far as we know, there was a group of people who came into the St George's Centre at about 3am. Why anyone would be messing around then I do not know but a screwdriver was used to bust into the front door and they went inside.

"We have had to replace the lock as it was completely busted. Luckily enough, the way our building team has done everything, all of our new games were pretty much secured and locked up.

"The most they could do was make a mess. We had a small bit of damage here and there but most of it was just them causing a mess."

He said there was damage to building supplies – such as plaster boards that were left out – but nothing significant, and they have now hired extra security for the site.

"It was not as bad as it could have been but we have been up against it so to have that happen and get a call to say we have been broken into, it is not the best way to start our day," he added.

"As an independent business, we are just trying our best to keep fighting after the pandemic, bringing something new and exciting to Gravesend. So for something like this to happen is both upsetting and frustrating, to say the least.

"We know when we have it open it will be such a fantastic thing for Gravesend."

The pair hope to open the 13,000sqft site in New Road at the end of September and promise it will bring something completely different to the town.

Officers said their inquiries were still ongoing into the alleged break-in and no arrests have been made at this time.