Two thieves are thought to have made off from a burglary in the early hours of Sunday morning pushing a wheelie bin full of stolen cigarettes.

It follows a raid at the Gurkha convenience store in Sturry Road at about 4am in which a vending machine was broken into.

Investigating officer PC Steve Martin said: "We believe the offenders stole a wheelie bin from a neighbouring property and used the bin to carry the cigarettes away.

"They made off with the bin along the road in the direction of Sturry.

"It would have been an unusual sight at that time in the morning and we are appealing for anyone who saw them to contact us.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes for sale in the area."

The first offender was wearing a blue tracksuit and was described as stocky.

The second was wearing a light grey tracksuit and a black balaclava. Both were wearing gloves.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference ZY/005813/16.