DETECTIVES are searching for a "desperate and dangerous' armed robber who struck at a building society at Longfield near Gravesend.

The man, carrying a black plastic bin liner, walked into the branch of Nationwide in Station Road at about 10.40am on Saturday.

Inspector Mark Baldwin said: "Staff there became immediately suspicious due to this man's scruffy and dirty appearance."

The robber approached a female cashier and produced what appeared to be a handgun. He then demanded she fill it up with cash.

She complied with his request and when he left the building, he fled in the direction of the railway station with an undisclosed assortment of bank notes.

Insp Baldwin said: "It is not known if the offender had an accomplice or access to a nearby vehicle. While no shots were fired, the cashier and other staff on the premises were extremely shocked by the incident. This was a desperate act perpetrated by a clearly desperate man in broad daylight. He must be considered a danger until he is caught."

The police have issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone who knows the suspect to come forward with more information. The offender is a white man, aged 30-35, 6ft tall, of medium build, softly spoken with a southern accent. He had short dark brown hair, brown eyes and he was unshaven. He was wearing a dark green kagool-style jacket during the raid.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01474 565167.