Vandals have broken into Fort Amherst in Chatham last night causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Police attended the Napoleonic fort, one of Medway's most popular visitor attractions, following a report of a break-in.

Officers searched the heritage site , but no suspects were found.

It is believed the burglars got in on Tuesday night by cutting off padlocks and damaged a roof at the heritage site in Dock Road.

Isobel Sandhu, general manager,said the fort had been targeted by yobs at least six times in the last eight months.

She said:"While a lot of it is mindless vandalism on some occasions it's urban explorers who break into old structures and film it on video. We see the videos on line and the police are aware.

"We are an independent charity and reliant upon volunteers. in the last six moths we have had about £30,000 worth of damage.This is breaking us."

The alarm was raised by a representative from the Army whose job it is to lock the gates every night.

Mrs Sandhu said : "The problem is that we are linked to the Great Lines, an open park which makes it easier to gain access.

"We can't afford CCTV everywhere.We make our money at events, like tours,weddings and parties at the fort. We are coming up to Halloween, which is our busiest time.

The fort was built in 1756 to protect the naval dockyard, once based in the town, from attack.

It has recently received £1.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund for massive refurbishment. Work is due to start next month.

It is open to the public throughout the year with spooky ghost tours through the tunnels proving a popular attraction.

James Walker,police spokesman said they had received a report that a burglary was taking place at Fort Amherst, in Chatham, at around 10pm on Tuesday..

A number of roof tiles are reported to have been damaged and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.