Money destined for two children's charities was stolen during a burglary which left a children’s indoor play centre trashed.

The Hippodrome in King’s Road, Herne Bay, was broken into early this morning, with its owners, Fiona Rennie and Teresa Hertzer, being notified at 2.15am.

Charity boxes meant for Demelza and Snaap were swiped during the raid and one was later found empty in the pond in Memorial Park.

In a joint statement, Ms Rennie and Ms Hertzer said: “There’s a considerable amount of damage.

“They crow-barred the fire doors, broke a window, smashed the kitchen, ripped microwaves off the walls and crow-barred the doors upstairs as they tried to find money.”

The pair handed CCTV footage over to the police, but doubt whether it will provide them with any clues because some of the cameras broke down after a power cut last week.

An iPad and two music systems were also stolen.

Ms Rennie and Ms Hertzer were unable to put a figure on the damage caused, but said: “We’ve got to buy new fire doors, safety doors for the upstairs, a new window and two kitchen units.

“We’re just trying to clean up the awful mess that they’ve left.”

Police were called to the incident shortly after 2.30am and searched the area, but were unable to find the perpetrators.

Enquiries are ongoing.