DETECTIVES are searching for an armed robber who struck at a bank in Kent.

A man wearing a balaclava and carrying a firearm went into the Lloyds TSB in Tankerton Road, Whitstable, and robbed a security guard of a small empty black box she was delivering to the bank.

The robbery happened just before 1.10pm on Tuesday. The robber raced from the bank and got into a silver car which has since been found abandoned in Pier Avenue.

Witnesses have also reported seeing two men trying to open a black box on St Swithins Road by driving over it.

Nobody was injured during the robbery and no shots were fired.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Ian Dyball at Canterbury police station on 01227 868119. (ref 08-0741)