A vehicle smashed into a Deal convenience store in the early hours leaving its frontage mangled with bricks strewn.

Orchard Avenue's corner shop remains closed while police investigate what happened.

Manager Alfred Selvarajah said the incident happened between 4 and 5am and police have confirmed the vehicle did not remain at the scene.

He was informed by police at 5am and says it is so far unknown whether anything was stolen.

The builder who will be securing the premises today told Mr Selvarajah the shop should be ready to reopen tomorrow, pending the police investigation.

At the time our reporter attended there was no sign of the vehicle involved.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 4.26am on Thursday 23 January 2020 to a report of a burglary at commercial premises in Orchard Avenue, Deal.

"Damage was caused to the building and it was reported a vehicle had been driven into the premises.

"Officers at the scene are working to establish the circumstances and whether anything has been stolen."

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 23-127 or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

READ MORE: All the breaking news across Kent