RAM-RAIDERS have smashed their way into a store in Gillingham for the second time in the space of a few months.

Thieves driving an old red car careered through Woolworths' front doors in Twydall Green, Twydall, and made off with several boxes of mobile phones.

The shop's automatic doors were still lying on the floor at 9.30am on Sunday as forensic teams examined the doorway and surrounding area for evidence.

The store's alarm system was left ringing for more than four hours before a key holder could be found to switch it off.

Sue Blair, 35, who works as a supervisor at the nearby Co-op Welcome store, said: "I'm not surprised by the raid. The same thing happened a few months ago.

"It is a shame really. The store has only just had its new automatic doors fitted and at the moment it only has a temporary manager. What a nice welcome for the new manager, who I think takes over on Tuesday."

The area has CCTV cameras at various locations and police will be studying the tapes.

It is thought the raiders grabbed as many pay-as-you-go mobile phones as they could before they made their getaway. An abandoned car, thought to be the vehicle used in the raid, was later recovered by police in Gillingham.

Mrs Blair added: "The CCTV in this neighbourhood is extremely good and I think Woolworths also has its own security cameras, so I should imagine the raiders have been caught on camera."

It is the second time this year the store has been targeted. A similar incident took place at the store in January.

A spokesman for Medway police said: "Local residents heard a loud smashing sound at about 5am on Sunday. An old-shape red Vauxhall car was seen in the entrance to the store and the doors had been knocked off their hinges and shattered. Witnesses saw a man carrying out several large, bulky boxes.

"A red Vauxhall was later recovered in the Gillingham area and will be examined by forensic officers for evidence. We will also be examining the CCTV footage."

Anyone with information about the raid is asked to contact Medway police on 01634 884252.