Balaclava-clad men who ‘scoured’ the streets in search of easy victims to rob - including children - have been jailed.

A metal bar, pole and wrenches were all used in a series of violent street robberies which left one teenage victim fearing for his life.

AJ Katnoria, Samuel Phillips and Ben Hoey targeted eight victims in less than two hours across Snodland and Rochester.

The string of robberies, which happened between 8.50pm and around 10.15pm on January 13, saw victims aged between 13 and 29 approached by Philips and Katnoria, who were wearing balaclavas.

Hoey waited in a nearby vehicle to assist their getaway and search for further targets.

In Snodland, four victims were approached in Birling Road, Sharnal Lane and Constitution Hill.

In Rochester, there were further offences in Smith Street, Dale Road, Central Parade, and The Tideway.

The group demanded cash and other items including phones from their victim.

In one of the incidents, a weapon was held to the throat of a man.

In another, a 14-year-old boy was also struck with a metal bar.

By 11.10pm, fast-track enquiries by officers had arrested Katnoria and Hoey.

Stolen items including wallets and keys were found in Katnoria’s possession.

Body worn video of Katnoria’s arrest has since been released by police showing him telling the arresting officer “oh shut up”.

When quizzed over his possession of a stolen car key - despite not driving - he adds “it doesn’t matter to you” and “because I’ve got it”.

Within hours, Phillips had also been detained.

Katnoria, 25, of Rivenhall Way, Hoo, Phillips, 22, of Southwell Road, Rochester and Hoey, 33, of Concord Avenue, Chatham were charged and remanded in custody.

They all pleaded guilty to five counts of robbery, three counts of attempted robbery and a charge of assault at Maidstone Crown Court.

Katnoria and Phillips also admitted possessing cannabis.

On June 25, Katnoria and Hoey were each sentenced to five years and three months’ imprisonment.

Phillips received four years and seven months.

DS John-Paul Foley of North Kent CID said: “These men scoured the streets in search of those who appeared vulnerable and would be easy targets, including several children.

“They covered their faces to disguise themselves and acted together to terrorise and assault victims quickly, before making off in a vehicle in search of their next target.

“The youngest victim was just 13 and was pushed to the floor and told he was going to be killed.

“Each victim has been either physically attacked or psychologically harmed from these incidents and I hope that these significant prison sentences will now at least provide some reassurance and make them feel safer”.