Vandalism by a pro-Palestian group has forced a Kent bank to shut its doors to customers.

Glass at the front of Barclays in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells has been smashed and red paint thrown at the windows as part of a nationwide protest by Palestine Action.

The bank is one of 10 targetted across the UK last night (Sept 11) by the group.

A spokesman for Palestine Action said: "Barclays' investments are contributing to the wholesale destruction of Gaza, the erasure of Palestinian life and property.

“These banks choose to invest in manufacturers of genocide. They have evaluated that the continued returns on investment generated by Elbit Systems and Israel's war machine are worth more than the moral or political cost of dealing in war crimes.”

Barclays has hit back at the targeted attacks and vowed to continue offering its help to defence companies.

A spokesman said: “Protest groups have criticised Barclays for providing financial services to defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe.

“They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment.

“The safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority and we have additional measures in place such as increased security presence and surveillance technology.”

A spokesman for Kent Police confirmed officers were called at 1.50am to a report of three people damaging windows and cash machines. Inquiries are ongoing to locate the suspects.

In June, the windows of Barclays in Chatham High Street were twice smashed and spray painted red as part of a nationwide protest which saw 20 other branches attacked.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/154473/24. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.