A fundraising campaign has been launched to repair a 200 year-old window that was damaged in a break-in at a protected mill.

The incident, at Grade II* Crabble Corn Mill in Lower Road, River, happened on Tuesday night between 10.26pm and 10.50pm. It was caught on CCTV and police are appealing for witnesses.

The male intruder broke in by smashing through the two century old sash window, damaging it beyond repair.

Now trustee Sharon Keningale said a new one will need to be crafted from scratch to comply with listing regulations.

She said: “This is not cheap and will unfortunately use all our fundraising efforts for this (Halloween) weekend.

The trust had organised spooky themed Halloween events for the weekend with proceeds going towards the £56,000 annual running costs.

Harry Reid, chairman of Crabble Corm Mill Trust, added: “To claim on our insurance would prove far too costly as premiums would rise.” He said insurance is already expensive at the venue, which is Europe’s finest example of a working water mill – and the only one in Kent.

They have launched the crowd funding appeal to cover the cost of a new replacement, estimated to be in excess of £500.

Mr Reid added: “The damage far exceeds the amount of what has been taken – just four bottles of red wine.

“We never keep cash on site and all alcohol, apart from what was taken, is kept under lock and key.”

Police forensics officers attended the scene yesterday morning (Wednesday).

“They were very very prompt.

“The joiner picked up what was left of the window yesterday, He’ll have to go and measure the window and make a complete one, like for like. For the time being the building is secured,” he said.

They are asking for anyone who knows or admires the building and its work to donate £1 through the crowd funding site. Click here to donate.

Kent Police was called at 11.40am on 25 October 2017 to reports of a burglary at the Crabble Corn Mill, in Lower Road, Dover.

It is alleged a person entered the building the evening before, by forcing a window, and then stole some bottles of alcohol.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference ZY/051701/17.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.