POLICE have released CCTV images of thieves using a sledgehammer and an axe to smash their way into a fast food restaurant.

The two masked raiders made off with around £2,000 from McDonalds in Commercial Road, Strood, between 12.30am and 12.50am on Friday.

PC Paul Heavens, who is appealing for information, said: "This appears to be a meticulous, well planned crime which lasted a matter of minutes. The suspects did not make any threats towards staff, nor did they harm them, and the pair conducted the robbery in a calm manner.

"It appears they used the axe and sledgehammer as a means of gaining entry into the building rather than as weapons.

"However their actions have left some members of staff traumatised and we are keen to locate and arrest the people responsible for this robbery.

"We have made some good progress with our enquiries and are exploring a number of possible leads. The CCTV footage is just another piece of the puzzle which I am confident will take us one step closer to solving this crime. I would like to ask people to study the images and get in contact with us if they have any information that may prove useful to this investigation."

One of the suspects is described as being a white male, of stocky build and around 6ft tall. He wore a dark balaclava, a navy hooded top with a red and white motif on the chest, navy trousers, white latex gloves and black shoes.

The other man is also said to be white, around 6ft tall and of stocky build. He wore a blue balaclava. A blue hooded Adidas top, blue jeans, dark footwear and white latex gloves.

Anyone who can help police with the investigation is asked to contact officers at Medway police station on 01634 792529 quoting reference DY/000135/08 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.