by Danny Boyle

Robbers have stolen thousands of pounds in an armed raid on a Bluewater sandwich shop.

A 25-year-old woman working at Pret A Manger was threatened with a gun and forced to helplessly watch two men empty the safe.

She was not injured, but the men escaped from the shopping centre on foot after stuffing the cash into plastic carrier bags.

The pair struck at the store, in the Lower Rose Gallery, at about 5.45pm on Sunday December 27 – 45 minutes after the centre had closed.

Detective Constable Neil Ratcliffe, leading the investigation, said: "Bluewater was extremely busy that day and we think the robbers made off on foot, possibly walking between stationary traffic which was leaving. I would urge anyone who thinks they saw them to get in touch."

Both robbers are described as white, in their early 30s and about 6ft. One was wearing a grey hooded top with blue writing and a baseball cap with a grey camouflage design, while the other wore blue jeans, a light brown jacket and black hat.

Anyone with any information about the robber is asked to phone Det Con Neil Ratcliffe at North Kent Police on 01474 366 091 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.