Thieves swiped cash from a church after smashing their way through a window.

Police are investigating following the incident at St Mary's in Reculver outside Herne Bay.

A small amount of money was taken after several charity boxes were emptied.

PC Neil Waldock said: "The offender broke a leaded glass window at the back of the church and forced open two internal doors to gain access.

"To steal from charity boxes inside a church is a pretty heartless thing to do and this will have been very upsetting for parishioners.

"When thieves target a church, they are targeting not just a historic building but a whole community."

The break-in in Reculver Lane happened between 6.30pm on Saturday, July 8 and 8.30am on Sunday, July 9.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01843 222289, quoting reference number ZY/31488/17.