A museum was trashed by yobs in an act described as "mindless vandalism" by bosses.

The gardens at the Tudor House in Margate, one of the town's oldest surviving buildings, were damaged in the early hours of Saturday.

Volunteers arrived to a sight of destruction with plants destroyed, signs strewn over the grounds and benches overturned.

A teenager has been released on bail in connection with the incident and on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Ian Dickie, a trustee of Margate Museums which maintains the house and gardens, condemned the actions.

But he praised a swift response from police who within hours had two suspects in custody.

Neighbours were woken by the noise and CCTV nearby was able to identify possible suspects.

Officers were called at 1.55am to a report of criminal damage at the gardens in King Street.

They later arrested two people - the teenage boy and a 46-year-old man who was later released with a conditional caution.

Only relatively minor damage was sustained but the gardens were closed to the public yesterday until officers gave the green light to reopen after making their inquiries.

Mr Dickie said: "A couple of people were seen going in there. They've destroyed hand rails and things we use to grow plants in.

"It's about the time and effort people put in because it's all done by volunteers.

"There's a CCTV camera on the corner of the road. People in the flats opposite were woken by the noise.

"I don't know why it's been done because they are open for everyone to see.

"I'm very impressed with the police [who brought two into custody hours after the incident].

"The handrails are all hand made and a lot of time and effort goes into it."

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assaulting a police officer. He has been released on bail until 21 October in connection with the reported assault.

"A 46-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and was given a conditional caution."

Mr Dickie added: "We've had nearly 10,000 visitors since January and for a small museum and we're only open three days a week. It's up on last year and that's very, very pleasing."