Hundreds of priceless artefacts have been stolen during a break-in at Canterbury Archaeological Trust.

Axes, coins and a bust of Queen Victoria are among the items believed to have been stolen during a raid on the archaeological archive, in Broad Street.

In a Facebook post, Canterbury Archaeological Trust said: "We are sad to announce that there has been a very serious break-in and theft from our main archive in Canterbury.

"Apart from causing considerable damage and chaos, the thieves got away with over 850 Anglo-Saxon glass beads, large quantities of coins and metal artefacts, and an assortment of bone objects.

"They also ransacked our educational loans collection, disturbing 90% of the 200 loan boxes, and stealing replica metal axes, pins, coins and other items, including a plaster bust of Queen Victoria.

"Please spread the word, and look out for any of these items being offered for sale."

The Trust, founded in 1976, is the "largest professional unit working in Kent archaeology".

Staffed by a group of qualified field archaeologists and specialists, the organisation carries out excavations and research, and aims to help educate the public about archaeology.