The hunt is on for three men who carried out a terrifying armed robbery at an off-licence in Longfield.

The raid happened at around 9.30pm Wednesday at Threshers in Station Road.

A police spokesman said the lone female shop assistant was closing the store when three men burst in with their hoods up and covering their faces.

One of the men - who was armed with a knife - demanded money from the woman. Another man was carrying what looked like a toy gun.

A small amount of cash was stolen from the till before all three ran off and got into a silver Honda Civic parked outside.

The 53-year-old assistant was not hurt but was left shocked.

Police found a car matching the description of the silver Honda abandoned nearby. It is being forensically examined.

All three men were white. The man with the knife was around 6ft and stocky. The other two were slightly shorter and slimmer.

Det Insp Ian Dampier, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is Longfield’s main shopping area and it is likely that other people would have been around at the time of the incident."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01474 366091 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.