Two men accused of eight armed robberies at newsagents in Kent could face more charges, a court heard.

Robert Powsey, of Peacock Rise, Chatham, and Duncan Snape, of Chapel Yard, Wandsworth, south west London, appeared for a preliminary hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Powsey appeared in the dock and Snape by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

They have been charged with raids on McColls in Admirals Walk, Chatham, on March 5 and April 29 last year, Leander Drive, Gravesend, on March 31 and March 3 this year, Singleton Post Office, Ashford, on February 11 this year and Orion Road, Rochester, on December 12 last year, Martin’s, Martin Square, Larkfield, on March 11 this year and The Row, New Ash Green, Longfield, on December 12 last year.

Prosecutor Anthony Prosser said the robberies spanning a year involved masks, use of sledgehammers and axes and staff being tied up.

“There are more robberies under consideration, some of which are outside the Kent Police boundaries,” he told Judge Charles Macdonald QC.

Powsey and Snape, both 41, will return to court on August 23 to enter pleas. A provisional trial date was set for October 14. They were remanded in custody.