A fundraiser set up for an Intensive Care nurse who had her bike stolen while she was working has reached more than six times its goal in one day.

Gemma Batley had just come off her shift at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford when she discovered that her bike was gone.

The three locks that had been used to secure it lay on the floor, and there was no sign of her "little piece of freedom".

A different bike – seemingly used by the thief to get to the hospital – was dumped at the shed in its place.

Ms Batley said: "All week I've been looking forward to jumping on my bike. I've needed to desperately clear my head and get out and enjoy the fresh air and sun.

"But I finished my night shift to find my bike had been stolen.

"Honestly, I cried so much I couldn't breathe. Why are people such evil scum?"

Police have been made aware of the theft, but the culprit hasn't been found.

The incident prompted an outpouring of support from the community, with a fundraiser being set up to raise £300 to help Ms Batley buy a new bike.

Just a day after being created, the campaign has raised £1,885- more than six times what was originally hoped for.

It is understood that any funds left over from the campaign will be donated straight to the Intensive Care United at the hospital.

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford