Raiders smashed their way into Blean’s village shop in the early hours of Monday morning and stole cigarettes, alcohol and money.

A white Mercedes estate was seen outside the shop in Tyler Hill Road before three men jumped out and broke through the glass doors at the front.

They stole what owner Binny Amin describes “a lot of alcohol and cigarettes” plus chocolate and charity collections tins.

The 36-year-old said: “I’ve been here more than five years and this sort of thing has never happened before. It’s appalling.

“One of the best things about Blean is that it has no crime and is one of the nicest, safest places.

“We’re still open at the moment and we’ve got forensics here, but we’ll have to close the shop for a bit so we can properly clear up.”

Police say the raid happened between 3.45am and 3.50am.

One man was wearing a black jumper, dark tracksuit trousers and dark trainers. The second was wearing a navy Nike jacket with a hood, dark trainers and orange gloves.

A man third was wearing a tan brown coloured Parka-style coat with a fur hood and black gloves. All three men are white.

After the raid their Mercedes C-class estate car drove off along Tyler Hill Road towards Tyler Hill.

Godfrey King, 87, who lives in nearby Blean Common, is a regular customer of the store.

He said: “Apparently, they got in with pickaxes.

“I’ve lived here for 50 years and this has never happened before.”

Anyone with information about the burglary, or who recognises the descriptions of the men or the car, can call 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/9193/16.