A trio of robbers threatened shop staff at John Lewis before escaping with a quantity of smartphones.

Three men reportedly entered the homeware store in Fougeres Way, Ashford at around 4.50pm yesterday and went on to steal four smartphones and threaten to harm several people in the shop.

The suspects, described as being white and in their late teens or early 20s, were last seen walking on a footpath towards the Drover’s Roundabout.

One of the suspects was wearing a black jacket with dark jeans and was bald with a "heavy beard".

Another was wearing a green puffer jacket and grey and black trousers and the third was dressed all in black with white trainers.

No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Officers attended the department store and conducted an area search but were unable to make any arrests.

Enquiries to establish the full circumstances, including a review of CCTV, are ongoing and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Investigators would also like to obtain dash camera from footage from anyone travelling in the area between 4.45pm and 5.15pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/222487/19, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.

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