Staff feared for their safety when a knife was brandished after a group of boys were told they couldn’t be sold vapes without proving their age.

Police were called to Hythe High Street just after 5pm yesterday after it was alleged youths had removed alcohol from a shop without paying.

Witnesses saw four police cars speed along Stade Street in the coastal town to the scene and three boys - aged 14, 13 and 11 - have since been arrested.

It was reported that the youths became verbally abusive in the store when they were unable to purchase vaping products as they were unable to prove they were 18.

Police say staff feared for their safety after a knife was produced.

Officers attended and, following a brief search, arrested two boys on suspicion of robbery.

Another was also arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a knife at 5.05pm.

The arrests were made within 20 minutes of the attempted robbery report.

A small knife and a bottle of vodka were recovered from the scene.

The three boys were later bailed pending further enquiries.