An owner of a popular seafront business has spoken of his shock following an attempted burglary.

The Sweet Hut on The Leas in Minster, Sheppey, was targeted by vandals in the latest attack on the Island.

Steven Read, who took over the shop from his aunt and uncle in January, says he is not optimistic those responsible will be caught.

The 25-year-old says he was informed by a neighbour of lights being on by the hut’s entrance at 2am last Wednesday - just hours before discovering the damage.

He explained: "I came into the shop to find out someone had tried to break in through the roof.

"Luckily they didn't manage to get in and steal any stock, but they did quite a bit of damage.

"A lot of the guttering now needs to be replaced, and the roof may need to be resurfaced as well.

"They have managed to make a hole all the way through to the shop too, so we are looking at patching it up with wood and hoping it doesn't rain.

"There's no CCTV to look at either which would have been of use to the police, so the fact it's happened on the beach without too much security around doesn't make me very optimistic.

"So I was slightly shocked by what had happened, and frustrated and annoyed too.

"It's not right, especially as I need to get someone into repair what's been damaged, so I just hope there's no round two attempt to get in."

The attack comes just days after the popular paddling pool at the Sheppey Leisure Complex was also damaged.

Two war memorials were also struck at Easter and had to be replaced.

Eva Russon, who also works at The Sweet Hut, says she doesn't understand why the shop was targeted.

The 21-year-old added: "The back panels of the roof have been smashed off, and the wood from the shop is no longer there so the people have obviously taken it with them or thrown it in the sea.

"The shutters are broken too on the building, as is the sign at the back of the shop.

"I just don't know what these people were trying to gain by doing this and that's why it's just so sad - there's nothing for them to gain."

Kent Police say anyone with information should call 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/97446/23.