POLICE are searching for a young gunman who threatened and terrified three cashiers in a week demanding cash from their tills.

The youth, aged between 19 and 23, was captured on CCTV on his first raid in Deal and detectives working on the case are hoping someone can name the criminal.

DC Alastair Barr said: "We are seeking assistance from the public to identify the man responsible for all three armed robberies in the town.

"Although he has disguised himself we believe people in Deal will recognise him and we are concerned this man may strike again.

"He has knowledge of Deal and we want to apprehend him before any further victims are traumatised."

The CCTV image was recorded at the Co-op store in Mill Hill last Tuesday, when the 6ft softly spoken youth pulled a gun on the cashier and demanded cash. He arrived at the supermarket on the back of a motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet.

On the following day at 7.30pm he visited the Trading Post shop in Orchard Avenue and threatened the female assistant working alone at the business.

Mr Barr said: "On this occasion he intimated he had a gun and got away with a quantity of notes. The description of the man at the Co-op was similar to the one at the Trading Post. We have an open mind but cannot rule out the possibility that this was the same person."

Local, the wine merchant and off licence in the High Street, was the third target at 7pm on Saturday, when cash was demanded from the cashier.

"Again, he intimated he had a gun and the theft was thwarted by the shop assistant and a member of the public who arrived at the store," added Mr Barr.

Anyone who can help identify the gunman is asked to contact the police on 01303 289216.