Thieves have broken into a charity’s premises and stolen a vehicle along with £1,000 worth of stock.

The Heart of Kent Hospice has branded the suspects “heartless” after they swiped the furniture van from its site in Hall Road, Aylesford.

Head of trading, Mark Mickelburgh, said: “We have been hit hard by the blow.

“Not only have we lost our large vehicle for moving furniture around and collecting donations, but we have lost stock, and our colleagues and volunteers are understandably all shaken by this experience.

“Our shops are a vital income stream to the charity and to have any loss of trading or expense is a blow to our services.”

The Citroen Relay, Luton-bodied van was parked on the secure premises behind locked gates when thieves broke in.

The suspects are also said to have removed the vehicle’s tracker before driving through the barriers with around £1,000 worth of stock, which was due to be delivered to the hospice’s stores, on board.

Along with the damage caused to the property and the replacement costs of hiring a new van, the charity is facing a large bill.

The Heart of Kent Hospice provides free end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling.

The theft happened on Tuesday (February 20) and the organisation is urging the public to look out for the van, registration SF17 AXJ.

You should report any sightings to the police quoting reference no. 21-0194 or call the Heart of Kent Hospice on 01622 792200.