Thieves who ripped an empty parking metre from a seafront pavement are "contenders for the most incompetent criminals of the week", a local authority spokesman has said.

Police were called to Central Parade in Herne Bay in the early hours of Sunday morning.

They believe a van was used to pull the meter from its footings.

But Canterbury City Council has confirmed the machine has been empty since the end of September.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: "Those involved in committing this crime are certainly contenders for the most incompetent criminals of the week.

"The machine had no cash in it because charging in Central Parade ended on September 30 and parking has been free since then. Criminal masterminds they are not.

"We have reported the incident to the police and the machine is covered by our insurance.

"There is no hurry to replace it as charging does not resume until April 1, 2019."

Anyone with information has been urged to call the police on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 14-0077, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.