Passers-by chased an armed robber after he struck at a supermarket in Folkestone.

Police are appealing for witnesses following yesterday’s (Thursday) incident, where a security guard was threatened with a handgun at Sainsbury’s, near Park Farm.

It happened at around 4.20pm as the guard went through the store’s main entrance. Police said the robber is thought to have had a dark coloured handgun and made threats to the guard before stealing a cash box.

They added in a statement: “The man is described as white, of medium build and height, believed to be in his twenties and wearing a grey hooded top and dark glasses.”

Brave shoppers chased the man through the car park until he got into a silver Audi A4 saloon car. The car drove off at speed before being abandoned in Belinda Court, Broadmead Village.

The cash box and its contents were discarded after the security dye pack went off. This red or orange dye would have contaminated skin and clothes of anyone handling it.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or to anyone who may have further information which may help the investigation.

No one suffered physical injuries during the robbery and the abandoned vehicle has been recovered for forensic examination.

Anyone with any information can contact Detective Sergeant John Mc Dermott on 01303 289410. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.