Vandals have caused about £1,000 worth of damage to a life-saving charity's mobile building.

The unit on the seafront near Beachfields Play Area, was installed by the RNLI last week.

This morning it was found with one of its windows prized open and the rubber seal removed from around it.

The empty shack has been used for introducing new lifeguards to their roles this week. They will be staffed from Monday, May 27.

One of the windows appear to have had its seal removed, meaning the window fell inside the hut.

Lead lifeguard supervisor for the area, Lucy-Jane MacGowan, said: "We installed the lifeguard unit a week ago and it’s so frustrating that this has happened already.

"We’re right in the middle of our lifeguard inductions for the season so this is a very busy period for us.

"Sorting out the repairs is a distraction we could really do without.

"We’re lucky that we had no equipment in the hut but the repairs alone will cost the best part of £1,000 which is money the RNLI could be putting into saving lives."

Swale council's seafront officer, Ian Arnell, posted a picture of the damaged hut.

A council spokesman said: "The RNLI hut at Sheerness beach was broken into last night, and we have reported the incident to the police.

"It beggars belief that someone would target a facility that is there solely to keep people safe.

"How would they feel if one of their family or friends got into trouble in the sea, but the rescue was hampered because vital lifesaving equipment was missing?

"We urge anyone with any information to contact the police on 101."

'How would they feel if one of their family or friends got into trouble in the sea, but the rescue was hampered because vital lifesaving equipment was missing?' - A council spokesman

A police spokesman confirmed the crime had been reported to them.

He said: "Officers were called at about 7.55am to reports that a premises on Beach Street, Sheerness, had been broken into. Investigations are ongoing.

"Anyone with information should contact 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/74107/19.

"Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111."

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness