A masked robber who demanded cash and cigarettes from a Birchington petrol station apologised for his actions before shoving a female cashier as he made his get away.

The offender struck as staff at the Total garage on Canterbury Road were locking up.

He apologised to the woman as he forced her to open a safe and fill carrier bags with cash and cigarettes, before pushing her back into the shop as he ran off into Broadley Avenue.

The cashier was shaken but not physically hurt after the incident, which happened on Saturday, January 23, between 10.55pm and 11.10pm.

Kent Police said the offender is in his 30s, around 5ft 10ins tall and speaks with a southern accent. He was wearing a dark-coloured balaclava and gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 01622 690690, quoting reference EY/1076/10, or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.