A man wearing a balaclava threatened shop staff with a suspected gun before stealing money from the till.

Police are hunting the robber, who struck at the Lawrence General Stores in St John's Road, Margate.

It was reported the man entered the shop wielding a firearm-shaped object wrapped in a black plastic bag.

He ordered a member of staff to go into a back room and stay there. When the staff member returned, cash had been swiped from the till.

The robbery is said to have happened at 9.50pm on Tuesday, December 9, but the CCTV images have only just been released.

The suspect is described as heavily built, wearing a dark grey hooded top, light grey woollen gloves, dark jeans and light grey footwear.

His face was covered by a balaclava but it is believed he spoke with an English accent.

Detective Constable Michael Freeman said: "Although the suspect did not hurt the member of staff, it was obviously quite frightening to be confronted in such a way.

"We would like to hear from anyone who might recognise the man featured in the CCTV images and urge them to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number ZY/40101/14.

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