Leads to the generator of a vaccine centre in Tonbridge have been stolen.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat issued a social media plea this morning about the theft at the Sovereign Way centre, adding "we need to replace them urgently".

It is understood from his tweets that the centre could not run because of the incident.

About an hour later, he tweeted: "I’m delighted to say @NHSuk is back up and running and vaccinating in Tonbridge. Thank you for pulling together - Tonbridge is a fantastic community."

In another tweet, he thanks Piper Electrical Centre for getting the centre "up and running again so quickly."

He added: "There were many other very kind offers too. Thank you everyone. Happy Christmas."

In a statement to Kent Online, The MP said: “Tonbridge is a fantastic community and the response has shown this.

"I’m also very grateful to Kent Police, Malling PCN and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for their quick action too.”

A NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group spokesperson said: “A cable used for a generator at the Tonbridge vaccination site in Sovereign Way was stolen overnight, but thanks to the kindness of local business Piper Electrics, the cable was replaced very quickly for free and vaccinations were able to begin.

"We understand there weren’t any delays to the vaccine programme as a result of the theft.’’

A spokesman for Kent Police said a patrol will be sent to the scene to try and establish more details.