A converted mobile van that offers people in need cut-price food has been stolen by thieves wearing balaclavas.

The Sheppey Support Bus was driven away from the car park of Holy Trinity Church in Sheerness around 2am yesterday (January 2).

The Mercedes Sprinter van is used to deliver food to around 100 people across the Island – one of the most deprived areas of Britain – by The Sheppey Support Project.

Sainsbury's donated the old delivery van to the charity, based at the church, which painted it white and emblazoned it with branding around three years ago.

The van is used to transport the food around, which is stored on a converted double-decker bus.

Up until they got the van, the bus was used to deliver the food. However, around a year ago the only qualified bus driver left and the van became the only way to continue the good work.

Islanders who are on low incomes or claim benefits can become members of the organisation, and pay £32 per family for 20 food items or £16 for a single person.

The service was due to resume on Tuesday, January 7, after being paused for the Christmas break, but that will no longer happen after the van was stolen.

The project, part of the larger Oasis Hub Isle of Sheppey charity, is run by Phil Greig who said deliveries are now suspended for the rest of the month.

He told KentOnline that CCTV has been handed over to the police.

This footage, the 48-year-old said, shows people wearing balaclavas taking the vehicle.

The force confirmed it has launched an investigation and is urging anyone with information to contact the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/861/25.

Residents with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam are also being asked to check for relevant footage.

Phil, who lives in Seasalter and has been with the project for two-and-a-half years, said: “It’s a mystery. There was nothing on the ground like broken glass to indicate a break-in.

“There were cans, pasta, cereal, soup and tins in there which I do not expect to return but I hope the van does come back to us.

“I was first told that it had gone missing when our driver called me asking where the van was but CCTV now shows that it was taken around 2am.

“I really don’t know what would motivate anyone to do this. If they were desperate they would have only needed to knock at our door, but I don’t think that's the case.

“Sheppey is a close-knit community and people support one another so the people who did this must have known what the van does.”

Islanders have rallied around the charity which has been inundated with offers of support from “all quarters”, Phil said.

This includes people offering to drive the double-decker bus.

The charity said in a statement: “We will keep giving updates as anything comes to light but our sincerest thanks for all your amazing support and kindness.

“Sheppey is an incredible community and it is a privilege to be able to work in and serve it.”

People who want to donate goods at Holy Trinity Church can do so on Monday, January 6 between 9am and 4pm or the following day between midday and 6pm.

Islanders reacted to the news with anger. One person said: “That is awful. Who would do such a thing?”

Queenborough Town councillor Jackie Constable described it as “disgusting” and pledged the support of the council’s food bank.

Cllr Elliott Jayes, who represents Sheppey Central on Swale council, said: “How low can you get?

“There is still a stigma around using a food bank so delivering to areas is a really important service to make people in need feel comfortable using the services.

“Hopefully the people who did this are caught and the bus is returned.”

The project was launched by Lynne Clifton of the Sheerness Salvation Army and Steve Chalke, the founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust.

Travelmasters boss Tim Lambkin donated the old bus which was turned into a mobile mini supermarket downstairs and meeting rooms upstairs by Faversham company South East Coachworks.