Quick-thinking flat owners who called the police when they saw a man trying to break into a town centre shop have been thanked by store managers for saving their stock.

Police were alerted to a raid on The Bike Warehouse in Mortimer Street during the early hours of Monday.

They were called by residents living above shops in the street who saw a man trying to get into the store at 4am.

Manager Howard Bailey said: “We want to make it known how grateful we are to the residents of Herne Bay.

“The thief didn’t succeed in taking any bikes but that is down to the promptness of the police and the vigilance of local people.

“We just want to say thank them for being so vigilant and taking the time to phone the police when they heard the noise.”

A green mountain bike worth more than £2,000 was recovered at the scene.

Mr Bailey has worked at the shop, which had its front and rear windows smashed, for 16 years.

He added: “It was a shock, a real shame and it’s very disappointing.

“But Herne Bay is a good community, we do very well here and the people are very supportive. The community spirit is really strong.”

Police forensic teams visited the shop on Monday morning.

Spokesman Amanda Wills said: “We are investigating reports of an attempted burglary at a bike shop in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, in the early hours of Monday, January 11.

“Police were called by a member of the public at 4am after a man was reportedly seen trying to break into the shop.

“He is described as aged 20, white, about 5ft 8in, of a slim build with short, dark brown hair. He was wearing a black hooded waterproof-style jacket and jeans.

“Damage estimated at £100 was caused to a window of the shop and a green Whyte bike, valued at £2,200, was recovered at the scene.”

Police are asking anyone who saw the incident or has information to contact them on 01843 22228 quoting crime number ZY/1123/15.