AN ARMED robber made off with a bag containing almost £1,000 after an early morning raid on a McDonald’s restaurant.

Now police want to talk to the customers dining in the restaurant immediately before the robber struck at around 7.30am on Saturday.

The man entered McDonald’s in Bridge Road, Sheerness, at around 7am and ordered a coffee.

When all the other diners had left the restaurant, he approached a member of staff and threatened her with a large knife.

He then ushered all the staff into the back of the kitchen area and stole just under £1,000 and a mobile phone.

The man was white, aged between 25 and 30, five feet 11 inches tall, of medium build, and was unshaven with untidy hair.

He was wearing a navy blue or black anorak-style jacket with navy blue or black jogging bottoms and white trainers.

He was carrying a dark holdall which he filled mostly with coins and a few notes before escaping on foot.

Det Insp Sarah Pain said: "We have launched a full investigation and are keen to hear from anyone who may have been dining in the restaurant before the incident. I would also like anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between 6am and 7.30am to come forward.

"This is a serious offence and, fortunately, nobody suffered any injuries as a result of the robbery. I would like to stress that incidents of this nature in Swale are extremely rare and we are keen to arrest the offender as quickly as possible."

A McDonald’s spokesman said none of its staff were hurt in the raid.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Sittingbourne Crime Investigation Team on 01795 584349.