DETECTIVES are hunting a young man who threatened a member of staff at a newsagent's with a handgun and a knife.

The robber escaped with a quantity of cash from Osbourne Newsagents in London Road, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells.

Police say he was armed with what they describe as a 'desert eagle' handgun to threaten the cashier, as well as the knife.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, aged 16-18 years old, with a local accent. He was wearing a light grey hooded top, and a grey cloth covering his face.

As he fled from the store it is possible that a bus drove past, and the noise of a horn sounding was heard. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been travelling past the shop and saw the man as he left.

Police say the incident happened on Friday, December 22, at about 8.45pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Simon Barnes on 01732 379160 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.