Police are searching for a brazen burglar who launched a 90-minute crime spree in the middle of a busy shopping area.

The thief broke into three businesses in the Marlowe Arcade, Burgate and St Margaret's Street in Canterbury between 6.20am and 7.50am on Saturday.

The front door of the No. 35 cafe in St Margaret's Street was smashed - but bosses told KentOnline nothing was taken.

"It was a break-in but fortunately nothing was stolen and no-one was hurt," a manager said.

"The person who was breaking in came in and came round to the bar area where we keep our coffee machine, probably looking for cash.

"He was unsuccessful and while breaking the door he cut himself so hopefully forensics can do something with the traces of blood."

The identity of the other two shops is not yet known, nor has the value of the goods stolen been confirmed.

Police say they are on the lookout for a white male, around 5ft 10ins tall, wearing a black hooded top with high-visibility strips on the cuffs, black trousers and a white bag.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was contacted at 7.50am on Saturday and it was reported that a man had damaged a door to enter a shop in the Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury, before stealing items.

"Officers attended and carried out a search of the area. Further enquiries established two other businesses, one in St Margaret's Street and one in Burgate, had been broken into."

An attempt was also made to enter another premises in the Marlowe Arcade.

The spokesman added: "A review of CCTV and forensic analysis has been carried out and enquiries are ongoing to locate the offender.

"Anyone with information who has yet to speak to officers is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/58844/23."