Windows and doors were smashed and mannequins damaged as thieves broke into a shopping centre in the dead of night.

The Charlton Centre in the high street was broken into this morning, causing 'thousands of pounds' worth of damage.

Manager Peter Nix said CCTV caught the intruders walking through the centre with their hoods up at around 1.10am.

He estimated that around £4,000 will be needed to replace smashed windows, doors and mannequins.

It is not yet known whether there were any items stolen from the premises.

Mr Nix let himself into the centre this morning at around 6.45am when he saw the chaos caused.

He went on to say that thugs used an old fridge to bash through a set of fire doors at the rear of the centre.

He continued: "I'm livid - it is annoying because of the amount of work we have put in.

"I just don't know what to think at the moment."

The police have been on the scene earlier this morning to investigate.

Mr Nix was set to host a Late Night Shopping event in the centre tonight, and has vowed that it will still go ahead.

He continued: "I am going to make sure we get through this for tonight's late night shopping.

"I will focus on cleaning it up as much as I can."

The late night initiative was a result of extensive planning, and one of the many bids to revitalise Dover's derelict town centre.

Shops within the centre will remain open until 8pm tonight.

For more information on the Late Night Shopping event, see this week's Mercury - out now.

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