Thieves smashed the lock of a popular Whitstable cafe before leaving with a large quantity of money, stunned staff have revealed.

Jaz Gaynor arrived at Tea and Times in the High Street at 7am this morning to open up but discovered the lock broken and cupboards and fridges left open.

He says the thieves left with the cafe's safe which contained a day's takings plus tips.

Police were spotted entering the cafe this morning and are believed to be investigating.

Jaz, son of owner Veronica Gaynor, said: "I came down to open up and I noticed the door looked dodgy. When I took a closer look I saw the lock had been completely smashed.

"This has happened to us before but we knew who and why. This has come out of the blue.

"It looks as though they knew what they were looking for. Mum is ok but I'm still shocked, angry and upset probably because I found it."