A teenager threatened to stab a shopper with a 10-inch knife after a three-strong gang raided a crime-hit Co-op store.

Police were called just after 7.30am after three boys targeted the Co-op in Faversham Road, Kennington.

One of the gang - who all had their faces covered with masks or balaclavas - threatened plumber Paul Spencer, who tried to stop him running out of the store with a bottle of whisky.

Mr Spencer was buying his breakfast from the shop when the raid happened.

"One of the boys came running around the front of the counter with a bottle of whisky and slipped a bit," he said.

"I went to grab him, but he stood up and he had a knife about 10 inches long.

"After he stood up he started shouting at me - saying 'I'll stab you' - while waving the knife at me. I backed off and they left the shop."

Two of the boys left the scene on bicycles.

A short time later, a teenage boy was assaulted by the gang in Park Road and was taken to the William Harvey Hospital for treatment.

Officers say the two incidents are being treated as linked while inquiries are ongoing.

Mr Spencer added: "The boys were in their teens, probably around 16.

"A member or staff, a lady behind the counter, called to people to run out the back to a safe place.

"I'd say there were five to 10 customers in the shop at the time."

A Co-op spokesman appealed for witnesses to come forward

He said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers is of paramount importance and Co-op takes retail crime very seriously.

"We are implementing a number of measures to deter both criminal activity and aid convictions.

"The police are investigating, and we appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information regarding the robbery or the assault is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/37363/19.

Earlier this month, a bomb disposal team was called out after the store's cash machine was targeted in the early hours.

In a separate incident in November, thieves smashed their way through the front of the building, swiping scratch cards, alcohol and cigarettes at about 2.30am.