Staff at Strood Community Project have been left to pick up the pieces after their shop front was destroyed by a driver who crashed while reportedly fleeing police.

A 17 year old boy was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, driving while unfit through drugs, dangerous driving and having no insurance after the crash at 12.40am on Tuesday morning in Strood High Street.

Officers had been called earlier to reports of a stolen vehicle, and a police pursuit ensued when the car failed to stop on the A228 in Rochester - although police say there was no patrol car near the vehicle at the time of the crash.

The road was closed to allow for the vehicle to be recovered and for a structural engineer to assess the damage to the shop, but was reopened later this morning.

It's yet another set back for the Strood Community Project - which was targeted by thieves who stole £1,000 in cash and jewellery in October this year - and means managers Kim West and Karen Payne have been forced to close their doors at a crucial time of year.

"I got a phone call at 8am this morning from a volunteer," said Kim. "It brought us to tears. "We're a very small charity, we run on a tight budget and this loss of earnings is going to be devastating.

"It's a critical time and we need that weekly income."

But she added: "We're extremely pleased that the driver wasn't badly injured."

Strood Community Project supports a wide range of community work and helps families in hard times. The charity has also been raising funds to help the homeless around Medway.

On Tuesday staff resorted to collecting in buckets outside the shop, and neighbouring businesses - including Halifax, Iceland and Ramo cafe - also helped out by collecting for the charity on their premises.

The 17-year-old driver was held in custody and later bailed until Thursday February 2.

To offer help call the charity on 01634 298747 or visit the "Strood Community Project Shop" Facebook page.