A SHOPKEEPER was devastated when a ram-raider ploughed into his new business only a week after opening.

Vadive Parthiparajan had just moved into the Allenby Late Shop in Allenby Road, Ramsgate when the attack happened early on Monday.

Police were called to the shop just before 2.30am after a dark blue Ford transit van had been reversed into the shop, smashing the frontage.

A woman living opposite alerted the police. They say damage is estimated at £1,000 and that nothing was taken.

Mr Parthiparajan, who has other shops at West Dumpton and Folkestone, said: "I was very shocked, especially as I am just beginning here and had just opened. I will have to pick up the pieces and start again."

One of the offenders was seen by a witness who described him as a white man wearing a black woolly hat. It is believed he was a passenger in the van.

The van had a roof rack. An eyewitness saw the vehicle being driven off towards the Newington estate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Mark Dennis on 01843 231055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.