Terrified office staff dived for cover when a balaclava-clad robber brandishing a hammer burst into a quiet Gravesend office.

The thug lashed out indiscriminately with the weapon, injuring two workers and smashing up computer screens.

Despite demanding money, he fled on foot empty handed after bursting into High Street letting agency Richmond Chase on Monday morning.

Police say the man was of a large build, 6ft, unshaven, white and in his 40s. He wore a dark balaclava, dark trousers and a blue sweatshirt. He had dark brown short hair.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Constable Richard Dorey on 01474 366091 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

For the full story, including one terrified worker's account of the raid, see this week's Gravesend Messnger, out Thursday.