A Ukip campaign office has been covered in swastikas and graffiti by vandals warning the party to leave town.

The base in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, was targeted overnight, with staff discovering the damage this morning.

Officials even had to force their way into the shop with a crowbar because the locks had been tampered with.

It is the latest in a series of attacks directed at Ukip campaigns across Kent, where the party is hoping to make gains next month.

Activist and local council candidate John Moore said: “They have sprayed all over the windows telling us to get out of Herne Bay.

“There were swastikas sprayed in our colours of purple and yellow. We think they have walloped the door because the locks weren’t working this morning.

“We had to use a crowbar to get into the office. Luckily the vandals didn’t get in because it has our campaign materials inside.

“It’s not the first time Ukip has had this - it happens up and down the country. But it’s a first time for us to experience this in HerneBay. It’s just one of those things.

“I think these people need to go out and get a job rather than coming around and causing us problems.”

The party’s candidate for North Thanet, Piers Wauchope, added: “They were blocking the windows so no one could see our displays.

“They completely plastered the windows to make it look as though the place was closed.

“It just goes to show how worried people are about Ukip success. They will do anything to stop us. I expect more dirty tricks in the weeks to come.”

Ukip has also suffered at the hands of vandals in the neighbouring South Thanet constituency, where party leader Nigel Farage hopes to win a seat.

Graffiti was sprayed on the garage of Ramsgate councillor Trevor Shonk in March, and last week welcome mats were attached to a Ukip election poster about immigration concerns.

Police are investigating the incident, and John Moore confirmed the paint has now been cleared from the windows.

Meanwhile, in New Romney, a poster of Conservative parliamentary candidate Damian Collins has been defaced to make it look like he has a Hitler-style moustache.