THREE shopworkers were held at knifepoint in a raid by robbers wearing Santa Claus hats over their faces.

The thugs were stopped from stealing a getaway car by bystanders but escaped on foot with £10,000 from the Home Plus store in The Brook, Chatham.

The robbers, who wore red and green Santa-style hats pulled over their faces, struck when staff locking up for the day heard the alarm go off.

Two men and a woman went to investigate and were confronted by two men wielding knives.

One of the workers, who did not want to be named, said: "One of them held a knife to my throat and my cheek. I was terrified and there was no way I was going to argue.”

The raiders demanded the workers open the safe and then took the money. They shut the three staff in an office and dashed out through the store front.

They tried to get away by stealing a member of staff’s car but were foiled by other staff and members of the public outside the store rushing to stop them. They instead escaped on foot.

One of the raiders is described as white and 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in and of a medium build. He is said to be in his 20s and wore green or beige trousers and a dark green or black long-sleeved top. He spoke with a local accent.

A second man is described as being of tanned or mixed race appearance and 6ft with a heavy build. He wore black jeans and a dark-coloured top and spoke with a foreign accent.

The robbery was at about 4pm on Sunday. Anyone with information should call Medway Police on 01634 884252.