DETECTIVES are searching for ram-raiders who smashed their way into a general store and Post Office and made off with a quantity of cigarettes.

Members of the gang used a white Transit-type van to crash into McColl's in Lordswood, Chatham.

Police said the van was driven with such force towards the window that it knocked down a post box in front of the store in Admirals Walk and shattered the window. The raid happened at about 5am on Monday.

Manager Dan Caine said: "I was driving to work when it happened. I arrived here to find the post box through our window. We have not had anything like this before." Police later recovered the vehicle nearby.

The damage to the shop, which used to be called Martin's, was restricted to the broken window but it meant the shop had to be shut all day on Monday.