A creepy "vandal" in a white mask and long black coat allegedly smashed several windows of a high street store.

Police are investigating after residents in Deal reported seeing the strangely-dressed individual breaking the glass of the Original Factory Shop.

The discount retailer in High Street was targeted just before 5am on Tuesday.

A member of staff would only comment to tell KentOnline that seven windows had been smashed.

A Kent Police spokesman confirmed the force is investigating the report of criminal damage.

Eyewitnesses say the mask-wearing "vandal" smashed the windows of the shop at 4.40am, before allegedly "climbing into the gardens down the Wood Yard alley".

One resident who heard the glass smashing said they attempted the stall the person in the mask until police arrived.

"We were woken up at 4:40am to loud noises. I got dressed and went out and spoke to him," they said.

"He said he was here for a reason and I asked for him to take off his mask.

"He said he didn’t live round here and then took off running up Beach Street and then down Wood Yard alley. He then jumped over a garden wall and that’s where I lost him.

"Police arrived with dogs and searched around for him but to no avail."

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/148791/22.