A family have been left “devastated” after thieves broke into a family-run sewing shop in a town centre.

Burglars broke the lock on the front door of the Maidstone Sewing Centre, in Union Street, last night.

Extremely valuable sewing machines have been stolen and Holly Bulford and her parents are keen for them to be returned.

Miss Bulford said: “This morning my mum went down there and they had got in my removing part of the door and the lock. They go in there with the alarms going off.

“My family have been left distressed and devastated that this has happened. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

“We can't let these criminals get away with destroying family run high street shops.

“They grabbed everything they could. Around 15 machines were taken in total. Some are embroidery machines worth a lot of money.

“They have taken the machines and not the frames or the power cables so it is like stealing a car with no wheels.

“We are devastated. It has really affected us.”

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Tony on 07885656683.