A knife-wielding robber masked in a bandana threatened a pharmacy worker and fled with cash in a crime which has "rocked the community".

The raid, which happened at Vision Pharmacy in Defiant Close in Hawkinge at about 7am on Tuesday, didn't result in any injuries.

The suspect was described as a white man, 5ft 7in and of large build wearing gloves, a dark woolly hat and dark glasses, possibly with a white frame.

He was also seen wearing a black patterned bandana across his face.

The staff member was left distraught and the whole community has been rocked, according to a pharmacy spokesman.

“It was first thing in the morning when a man dressed head to toe in black came straight in and pulled out a knife.

“He was in and out in about one minute and made off towards Hawkinge.

“The staff member was distraught. They just want to put this behind them. They are receiving help.

“The whole community has been affected by this all because of the actions of one idiot,” they said.

They added the police arrived in five minutes following a 999 call to carry out their investigations.

“I have been here for five years and this is the first time anything has ever happened like this," they said.

“You expect this to happen in other places but not Hawkinge.

“The police were great, they must have been here in about five minutes.”

Police, who have been passed CCTV evidence of the raid, are appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: "Officers carrying out enquiries would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have witnessed the incident or who has information important to the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting 06-143, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.