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Police appeal after Barclays 'protest' damage

Ben Moore/BBC A Barclay's storefront. A large glass window has been smashed and red paint is visible on the pavement in front. Police tape has blocked off access to the bank. An officer in gloves and a mask is leaving the store.Ben Moore/BBC
Barclays on Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, was vandalised on Thursday

Police are appealing for information after a Barclays bank branch in Tunbridge Wells was vandalised.

Three people are believed to have smashed the Calverley Road branch's front window, damaged its cash machines and thrown red paint on the premises at 01:50 BST on Thursday morning.

Barclays said in a statement it believed the bank was targeted for providing financial services to defence companies.

A spokeswoman said: "They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment."

The company said it had repeatedly been targeted and was increasing security measures and surveillance as a precaution.

The spokeswoman said: “Protest groups have criticised Barclays for providing financial services to defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe."

Kent Police said several patrols were at the scene and that inquiries were ongoing to locate suspects.

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