Three men robbed a high street beauticians this afternoon, threatening staff with a weapon.

The group burst in to Beautonics, in Rainham, at around midday.

Firearms officers are on the scene and the shop has been taped off.

Scroll down for video

One witness, who did not wish to be named, said he saw what is believed to be one of the robbers fleeing the scene.

The man, who was in The Cricketers after the incident, said: "I was walking across Rainham rec and stopped to speak to a mate when this man came staggering towards us.

"His face was cut and bloody and he had blood all over his hands.

"He had all these dark clothes on and just a jumper, which I thought was odd because it's definitely coat weather.

"By the look of him I thought he must have been in a punch up and I thought 'what must the other guy look like' because he was a big old lump and at least 6ft 3ins.

"His face was cut and bloody and he had blood all over his hands. He had all these dark clothes on and just a jumper, which I thought was odd because it's definitely coat weather" - a witness

"He staggered off in the direction of Scott Avenue and Wakeley Road."

A member of staff at nearby Poultons said: "I saw three guys wandering up and down the road. They were hanging around with hats on, scarves covering their faces and gloves on.

"We locked up because we were worried. We went up to some of the other shops and told them that something seemed strange and to put the catches on their doors. They'd been here since about 10am disappearing and coming back and these weren't teenagers they were adults.

"I just thought something strange was going to happen and was worried they were going to come in here."

He added: "I didn't hear anything when they robbed it but police have been here about an hour. The first people here were armed response. The three men had left by that point.

"We think there was a car nearby they jumped in and drove off in."

Witness Ben Gransden said: "At 12:45pm a Kent Police armed response unit arrived outside Beautonics.

VIDEO: The scene outside the shop this afternoon

"People including the male technician were standing outside. He looked visibly shaken.

"Smashed shop furnishings were on the floor and out the front door.

"Armed police and what looked to be a plain clothed officer were talking to people immediately outside and police tape was being erected across the pavement. "

Police officers are carrying out a search of the area.

Spokesman James Walker said: "Officers were called to Rainham High Street at 12.02pm to a report of three men having entered a shop demanding cash.

"One of the men was reported to have stated he was in possession of a weapon.

"The three suspects then left the shop. Two of them are reported to have driven away in a car while the third suspect left on foot.

"One person inside the shop is believed to have received minor injuries during the incident.

"Armed officers have been sent to the area as a precaution and officers are carrying out a search for the suspects."

It is not known if any money was stolen or what weapon the man claimed to have.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101 quoting cad reference 31-0565.