Gunmen threatened staff at a village shop in an armed robbery last night.

Staff were said to be left shaken up following the incident at the Co-op in River, near Dover.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after two men raided the shop at 9.50pm.

They demanded cash and cigarettes and threatened staff with a gun, police said.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward to the incident while inquiries continue today.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting crime reference ZY/42681/16, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

The shop in Lower Road was closed first thing today as staff carried out stock checks this morning.

KentOnline understands there was no damage done to the store and that nobody working last night was injured but had been left in shock by the incident.

Employees were today carrying out extensive stock-taking to make sure items were accounted for.

A sign in the window of the store this morning advised customers the shop was closed while investigations were carried out - but it reopened shortly after 10am.

Villagers reacted in shock at the news this morning.

Some said they feared the shop would shut as it is not the first time it has been targeted.

In 2012, armed raiders stole cigarettes and cash from the store.

Other residents today said they hoped none of the staff were injured and praised how nice the workers are.