A town centre bank been vandalised by a pro-Palestine group for the second time in two weeks.

The windows of Barclays in Chatham High Street have been smashed and spray painted red as part of a nationwide protest.

Kent Police confirmed the criminal damage took place at 1.48am this moring (Monday, June 24).

Shattered glass on the pavement and paint poured over cash machines could be seen by observers earlier today.

Police tape has been put around the building while an investigation is under way.

Palestine Action has admitted responsibility for the overnight attack, as well as two others at JP Morgan and Barclays branches in Manchester.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Our actions cause economic disruption to those who make a killing out of genocide.

“By doing so, we make deadly dealings a less attractive investment for banks who only value profit.

“All investors must understand investing in Elbit comes with the additional risk of Palestine Action."

Palestine Action says the bank is an “investor in Israel's biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems”.

A fortnight ago a similar vandalism attack was committed by the group at the same Chatham branch when it was coated in red paint and had its windows smashed.

That was part of a nationwide protest targeting up to 20 Barclays buildings at the time.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: “We provide vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies. Barclays does not directly invest in these companies.​

“The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.

“Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.

“While we support the right to protest, we ask that campaigners do so in a way which respects our customers, colleagues and property.”

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Officers are urging witnesses or anyone who saw somebody acting suspiciously in the area, to contact them.

“Drivers with dashcam and residents or businesses with private CCTV are also asked to check for relevant footage.”

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209, quoting crime reference 46/103798/34 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via the online form, or on 0800 555111.