ARMED robbers escaped with about £15,000 after threatening staff in a raid at a post office in Grove Green at Maidstone.

The two robbers, one of whom was carrying a shotgun, walked into Newsrack & Grove Green Post Office in Grovewood Drive at about 3.45pm on Wednesday.

A quantity of the stolen cash is believed to be in Scottish and Irish notes. A number of customers were also on the premises when the robbers struck.

A police spokeswoman for said: "Fortunately no one was hurt but it must have been a very frightening experience for both the staff and customers."

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is helping police with their inquiries.

The robbers were not masked and are both described as white men with local accents. One was wearing a woolly hat. They made their getaway in a blue Vauxhall Cavalier with the registration number H251 AGX, which was later found abandoned in Hockers Lane, Detling.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the robbery or any sightings of the vehicle in Hockers Lane, or prior to the robbery itself. In addition police want to hear from anyone in the area who comes into contact with anyone with a significant amount of Scottish or Irish money.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Det Sgt John Fox or Det Con Kyla Worrell, at Maidstone and Malling Police, on 01622 608189.