Armed robbers threatened a security guard and took cash boxes he was delivering to a cash machine.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the robbery at 11am yesterday at the One Stop, High Street, in Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells, to come forward.

Two men, one carrying a small handgun, went into the shop as a cash delivery for the ATM was being made.

They threatened a security guard and took cash boxes from him.

There were customers and staff in the shop but no-one was hurt.

The men ran from the shop and left the area in a grey Ford Escort van, possibly driven by a third person.

The van was found a short time later abandoned in a car park near the Spa Hotel.

Officers went to the area immediately a call was received and the shop was cordoned off while initial inquiries were made.

Det Insp John Phillips said: ‘I would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw the grey van in the Rusthall area before the robbery happened or after 11.15am as it left Rusthall and went towards Mount Ephraim.’

"As part of the investigation I would also like to hear from anyone who saw a man described as white, aged 20s, 5ft 6ins, who was wearing a dark coloured woollen hat who may have been in the Mount Ephraim area after 11.20am today.’

"We have taken statements from a number of people already and I am keen that we gather as much information as possible from people who were in the area.’

Anyone with any information or who witnessed this incident can contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be emailed to appeals.westkent@kent.pnn.police.uk