An investigation has been launched after a town’s oldest pub was left with smashed windows and broken locks.

As well as breaking windows at the Castle Inn in Dover, vandals also broke in and caused damage to the bar.

The incident happened just weeks after the building was put on the market and following repairs to the roof.

Owner Paul McMullan told KentOnline: “It’s not long since we took the scaffolding down.

“After putting on a new roof, new outside render and repairing all the woodwork, it was looking pretty nice.

“But it’s now been smashed up – the entire bar and most of the windows.

“The Castle Inn should be a valuable asset for the community, not just left open for vandals to break in. They smashed the outside locks off with hammers.

“Basically, the lunatics have taken over the asylum and are just smashing it up.”

The pub, which sits next to the St James retail park – home to a cinema, hotel and restaurants – , was targeted at about 9am last Sunday.

A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police is investigating reports of criminal damage at a public house in Russell Street, Dover.

“It is alleged a man gained access to the building and smashed several windows. An investigation is underway, and officers are urging anyone with information to call them.”

Mr McMullan, a former News of the World journalist, says the removal of the pub’s licence means the bar is no longer running, and he can not afford to hire overnight security staff.

The Castle Inn is a Grade II-listed building and regarded as Dover’s oldest pub, dating back to around 1789.

It was most recently used as a youth hostel.

In 2008, it became derelict and was boarded up for two years before being bought by Mr McMullan.

The building has recently undergone a £30,000 refit and is currently up for sale for £595,000.

Anyone who can help police with their investigation should call them on 01843 222289, quoting reference number 46/180849/25