Co-op stores and a post office have been raided in the early hours in burglaries being linked by police.

The Co-op supermarket in Summerfield Road, Cliftonville, the post office in Littlebourne High Street, and the Co-op in Beauchamp Avenue in Deal were in broken into today.

Alcohol, tobacco and charity boxes were stolen from the post office after the windows were smashed in.

It is the second time the shop in Littlebourne has been targeted, with a similar incident happening at about 11pm on Friday, April 30.

Alcohol and cash has been swiped from the Co-op in Deal, but nothing appears to be missing from the Cliftonville store.

Police sergeant Jay Robinson said: "We are linking all of these incidents and carrying out enquiries at the scene, which includes the review of all forensic and CCTV opportunities along with house to house enquiries.

"In the meantime we would urge any residents who witnessed anything and haven’t yet been in touch to call us.

"We believe there are at least two suspects responsible for these breaks and they were seen leaving the Deal store in a white car just after 3am."

The two suspects are described as white men. One was wearing a black jacket with a white logo on the side, blue jeans, brown boots and grey gloves.

The other was wearing a black baseball cap, bright red hooded top, black trousers, black trainers and grey gloves.

Anyone with information should call the police appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/83830/19 for the Deal burglary, 03-0049 for the post office and 03-0011 for the supermarket in Cliftonville.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111.