A TERRIFIED woman cleaner came face to face with a masked burglar wielding a huge metal bar at Gillingham's Ice Bowl.

The incident happened when the 49-year-old cleaner arrived for work. Once inside the building she was confronted by the intruder holding the bar which was about 1.5 metres long.

He ordered her to go into an office and remain there for 20 minutes, telling her to lock herself in and not contact police. But she rang 999 from the office, before coming out after the 20 minutes was up.

A police patrol arrived but the burglar had fled. Fruit machines and pool tables were damaged in the incident which happened at about 4am on Saturday. It is not known how much cash was taken.

Police are now looking for a man described as white, about 5ft 11in tall and of slim build. He was wearing dark clothing and a black balaclava and had a southern accent.

Det Con Charlotte Warren said: "The cleaner was not hurt but she was petrified during the incident." Anyone who can help should call Medway Police on 01634 884252.