An independent shop owner in Tenterden has had to fork out £200 the week before Christmas after vandals smashed a window at her shop overnight.

Tara Louise McCarraher arrived at The Rising Star in the high street yesterday morning to find the damage at the back of her store.

Blood was left at the scene and forensics have taken samples but Miss McCarraher says if the culprit comes forward and pays for the repairs, she won't press charges.

She added: "The bakery up the road left a note that morning saying that they've cleared up the glass from the pavement because the window had been smashed.

"It's frustrating and it's another blow. At this time of year it's really busy and the last thing I want to be doing is phoning the police and getting a new window pane.

"It's costing me over £200 to get fixed and I don't see why I should have to pay for that when somebody else has done this.

"If they come forward and pay, then I won't press charges."

Thankfully nothing was taken and the emporium was able to stay open, but Miss McCarraher had to close the changing rooms until the damage was repaired.

This is not the first time her window has been targeted.

A few years ago a similar incident happened on a busy Saturday afternoon after punters from the pub nearby got into a fight outside.

Miss McCarraher said: "I heard an almighty smash and because it was during the day I was able to catch the person who did it.

"They paid for the damage that time but because this happened over night, there wasn't anyone to see it.

"It makes me not want to have a shop any more because it's disheartening coming in a week before Christmas and having to sort out a new window

"It's horrible for any business, but for a small independent, we were locked down this time last year so were trying to claw back what we've lost and I don't need to be spending out on this."

Police say the damage was caused between 6.30pm on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday.

Inquiries are under way and anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 16-0421.