Local residents collect £4,000 in donations following vandalism of shop windows.

A Sussex convenience store owner says she feels shaken after her shop was targeted on consecutive nights. Chaula Patel and her husband Janak have managed St Pancras Stores in Lewes' Southover area for more than three decades.

Residents in nearby streets have shown their support, contributing to a fundraising page that has collected over 4,000 from around 200 donors following the destruction of the shop's front windows.

Sussex Police reported that two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage and have been released on bail while investigations continue.

Mrs. Patel expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support, saying, "We are deeply moved by the kindness shown by our neighbors."

The police confirmed receiving reports of damage to the store at 23:50 GMT on 28 November and 22:04 GMT on 29 November. Mrs. Patel added, "Its frightening being in the shop, it feels like anything could happen."

Benetta Adamson, a long-time neighbor of 15 years, created the fundraising page to demonstrate how valued the Patel family is within the community. She described them as hardworking and central to local life, emphasizing that this incident does not reflect the communitys true sentiments.

Sussex Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the attacks or has CCTV or mobile footage to come forward by calling 101 or submitting information through the police website.

A brick was thrown through the stores window during the incidents, which Mrs. Patel described as particularly unsettling.

Author: Aiden Foster