An elderly man with a walking stick was among passers-by who tried to stop masked raiders making off with the till from a Thanet post office.

The three men burst into the store in St Mildred’s Road, Westgate-on-Sea, at 9.15am this morning (Tuesday) and demanded cash.

They then grabbed a till from the counter and fled the shop on foot. Members of the public, including an elderly man with a walking stick, are believed to have challenged the men as they fled.

The robbers were spotted in nearby Adrian Square moments later and are believed to have headed towards Margate.

A spokesman for Kent Police said no weapons were used in the robbery. The till was recovered nearby but it is not known how much money was taken.

Staff in the post office were said to be shaken but unhurt following the incident.

One of the offenders is described as white, around 5ft 7ins tall and of a stocky build. He was wearing a balaclava, black gloves, a black jacket with a turquoise stripe down the back and black trousers, possibly jogging bottoms, with a white stripe down the leg.

The second offender is around 5ft 6ins and was wearing a camouflage jacket and a balaclava. He was younger and more agile.

No description is available for the third offender.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Mark Dennis at Kent Police on 01622 690690. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.