VANDALS broke into a scout hut in the early hours of Saturday (July 11), causing more than £10,000 damage.

The kitchen and toilet was smashed up and paint was smeared all over the inside of Longfield and Hartley Scout Group's headquarters in Larkwell Lane, Hartley.

Scouts will be unable to use the hut for the next few weeks while repairs are carried out, so Tuesday evening's meeting has been moved to the Ash Green group's hall in Centre Road, New Ash Green.

Stuart Knowles, Longfield and Hartley Scout Group's acting leader, said: "This is very disappointing, but the one silver lining is that it has come at the end of the Scouting year and we will be back in business by September."

Any offers of help in terms of cleaning up, electricals, plumbing, decorating and general support should be made to Stuart by emailing him at stuart.knowless@homecall.co.uk

A Kent police spokeswoman said: "Police have conducted a forensic examination at the building and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 (if possible quoting reference 9977) or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.