A shop has been forced to close after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused in a break-in.

Police arrested two male suspects on suspicion of burglary after the Best One store in St Michaels was targeted in the early hours last Monday.

The owner of the Ashford Road store, Jo Walia, says more than £7,000 worth of damage has been caused.

It is believed several burglars forced entry into the store after smashing the front of the building.

They spent about 10 minutes in the store and Ms Walia says alcohol and cigarettes were swiped. Staff at The Crown Inn on the other side of the A28 raised the alarm and called police.

Ms Walia, who also owns Stubbs Cross Post Office in Kingsnorth, said: “I am really upset and I don’t feel secure anymore.

“I have lost a lot of my stock and it will cost me thousands to replace, so I have had to close the shop for the meantime.

A police spokesman said: “Two men aged 20 and one 23-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of burglary following a report of a break-in. “

“The men, who are all from the Tenterden area, have been released while inquiries continue.”

If you have any information, contact police on 101 quoting reference ZY/49499/18.