This is the terrifying moment an armed raider posing as a security guard held up a supermarket at gunpoint.

The man - wearing a helmet and carrying a black pistol - threatened to shoot the manager of the Co-op in New Ash Green.

He demanded to be shown where the safe was, but the cool-headed manager explained he had no access without a second keyholder.

The raider then asked for money from the till, but fled empty-handed on foot when he was not given any.

Kent Police officers carried out a search of the area, but failed to find the would-be robber.

The force have today issued a CCTV image of a man they are hunting. He is described as white, slim, around 6ft and in his early 50s.

He burst into the staff area of the store, in The Row, through an open door at around 6.30am on Tuesday.

DI Michelle Whitehead said: "He was wearing a dark-coloured crash helmet and a dark short-sleeved body warmer with distinctive blue and white stripes on the shoulder. He also wore a short-sleeved shirt, black trousers and white latex gloves.

"In his left hand he was carrying a black box which looked like a cash box and in his right hand he had what appeared to be a black pistol.

"Although the CCTV does not show his face, given what the offender was wearing we are hopeful that someone may have information which can assist us with our continuing investigation."

She added: "The way the man is reported to have walked in and looked around, and the fact he failed to make off with any cash suggests he had not thoroughly planned his actions.

"He grew increasingly agitated when told by staff he could not have any money, and it is believed he left the area on foot. No vehicle was seen at the time.

"We would ask dog walkers, delivery people and anyone else who may have been in the New Ash Green area between 6am and 7am on 24 September to think whether they saw anything suspicious or anyone matching the man’s description.’

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01732 379160, quoting crime reference YY/18964/13, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.